Anesthesia is a critical component of countless medical procedures, ensuring patient comfort and safety. However, when errors occur during anesthesia administration, the consequences can be severe and life-altering. From dosage miscalculations to adverse reactions and improper monitoring, anesthesia-related medical malpractice cases demand meticulous attention and specialized expertise.
We take a look at the complexities of anesthesia medical malpractice, exploring common causes, legal considerations, and the importance of seeking experienced legal representation in such cases. Understanding these issues is crucial for patients and their families who may have been affected by anesthesia-related negligence.
The medical malpractice team at Wilson Kehoe Winingham Injury Lawyers is experienced in anesthesia-related injury cases. Do not hesitate to contact us at (317) 920-6400 with your questions.
Risks of Anesthesia
Unfortunately, there is always a level of risk associated with anesthesia. Complications caused by anesthesia errors can take several forms, from minor side effects such as nausea, vomiting, or post-operative pain to serious long-term injuries or even death. When those complications are caused by the negligence of an anesthesiologist or other medical professional, they could be considered malpractice.
Types of Anesthesia
There are three types of anesthesia:
- Local anesthesia: Numbs a specific area (tooth, etc.)
- Regional anesthesia: Numbs a larger section of the body (spine, epidural, etc.)
- General anesthesia: Induces unconsciousness
The kind of anesthesia patients require depends on the nature of the medical procedure they are undergoing.
Anesthesia Malpractice Examples
The following examples of medical malpractice cases involving anesthesia can occur both before and during a surgical procedure.
Pre-Operation Errors
Before an operation, the anesthesiologist must both communicate with patients and perform a thorough review of their medical records and history.
Patient often have to refrain from eating or drinking for a specified time before their procedure. However, if a medical professional fails to properly communicate pre-operation instructions, patients may not fast appropriately or be physically prepared for surgery, increasing their risk.
Reviewing the medical history of patients is a crucial pre-operation step. If anesthesiologists fail to review all medical records, they may administer drugs that patients are allergic to or that cause harmful interactions with other medications. An allergic or negative reaction to anesthesia can cause serious injury or death.
Intubation and Extubation Errors
During general anesthesia, the muscles in the bodies of patients are typically paralyzed—including the diaphragm, making it difficult to breath. To restore oxygen flow to their compromised airways, anesthesiologists will insert a breathing (endotracheal) tube down their windpipe (trachea). This process is called intubation.
An improperly placed endotracheal tube can lead to serious complications:
- Anoxic or hypoxic brain damage due to lack of oxygen
- Nerve damage in the neck or esophagus
- Dangerously quick heartbeat (arrhythmia)
- Stroke
- Perforated trachea
- Injuries to the lips, mouth, or teeth
- Paralysis of the vocal cords
Similarly, extubation is when the breathing tube is removed from the patient’s windpipe. It is important that patients are able to breathe effectively on their own before they are extubated. Patients thrashing around or acting aggressive during this procedure could be a sign of airway difficulties.
Dosage Errors
An anesthesiologist has a responsibility to administer the correct dosage of anesthesia to a patient. Too little can lead to the patient waking up during surgery, while too much can result in a coma or organ damage.
Aspiration
Aspiration occurs when patients cannot swallow—such as when they are under general anesthesia—and vomit and food or liquid into their trachea and lungs. In other words, patients undergoing anesthesia lose consciousness and, with it, their esophagus loses its reflexes.
This complication can lead to aspiration pneumonia, a serious lung injury, and make it extremely difficult for a patient to get needed oxygen.
Inadequate Patient Monitoring
Anesthesiologist are not only responsible for administering anesthesia; they are also required to adequately monitor patients during surgery. They may have to regulate the consciousness level, blood oxygen content, and vital signs of patients.
Additionally, doctors must ensure that patients are moved regularly to prevent nerve damage. Patients left in a position that pinches a nerve or restricts blood flow could have serious complications.
Turning Off Monitoring Equipment
Monitoring equipment is a vital part of a surgical procedure, alerting surgeons, anesthesiologists, nurses, and other staff to patient distress and injury. For example, a pulse oximeter measures the oxygen level of a patient’s blood.
These machines have an alarm function. However, if someone turns off the equipment or sound, the medical professionals in the surgical room may miss alerts signaling low vital signs.
Accidentally or intentionally turning off monitoring equipment can be considered an act of medical negligence.
Anesthesia Awareness
Anesthesia awareness is the stuff of horror movies—a person regaining consciousness during an operation—but it can occur in real life, too.
When anesthesiologists administer too little anesthesia or give patients medication too late, there is a risk that they will wake up while on the surgical table. If this worst-case-scenario happens, patients could experience extreme pain, terror, the inability to breathe or move, feel the surgery itself, or be unable to communicate.
Anesthesia awareness can result in a number of emotional disorders, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and insomnia.
How to Prove Anesthesia Malpractice
All medical malpractice anesthesia cases require plaintiffs to prove these four essential elements:
- Duty: An established relationship between the anesthesiologist and patient
- Breach: A breach of that duty of care
- Injury: An injury or harm that resulted in damages
- Causation: Injury or harm was directly caused by the breach of care
An experienced medical malpractice attorney can determine if negligence was at play and help construct a strong anesthesia malpractice case.
Contact a Medical Malpractice Attorney Today
If you’ve been injured or are facing a complex legal matter, reach out to Wilson Kehoe Winingham Injury Lawyers to schedule a consultation. Our team serves clients across Indianapolis and throughout Indiana, and we’re ready to pursue the justice and full compensation you deserve.