The Three Main Causes of Anesthesia Mishaps
Whenever anesthesiology is involved in a medical procedure, the patient should be informed that there is always some level of risk involved. When we are under general anesthesia, doctors are typically using a combination of inhaled and intravenous drugs to put us in a sleep-like state. As common as it sounds, anesthesiology is a serious matter. It requires specialized skills, dexterity, expert decision making, problem-solving ability, and teamwork. For all of us, anesthesia comes with a risk of overdose of anesthetics and medical complications. For the elderly or pregnant, there is an even greater risk.
Anesthesia & the Elderly
Aging is associated with weakened function and resiliency of major organs, and surgical procedures requiring anesthesia can put considerable strain on these systems. Unfortunately, the reality is that we tend to need more surgeries as we get older. It’s vital for doctors to fully understand the elderly patient’s organ function to form a proper anesthesiology plan to minimize the risk of organ failure. Anesthesia (and surgery in general) havegreater adverse effects on the brains of the elderlycompared to younger patients, including “a higher prevalence of postoperative delirium and cognitive dysfunction,” according to the medical journalAnaesthesia. This research highlighted that the elderly face a significant risk of cognitive decline, especially if the medical professionals do not conduct adequate monitoring.
Anesthesia & Pregnancy
The need for surgical interventions isabout the same in pregnant womenas the general population, but anesthetic challenges are muchgreater. Doctors must consider the safety of both the mother and the fetus. Without communication and collaboration among the team of obstetricians, neonatologists, and the anesthesiologist, there is a serious risk of serious injury or death to the mother and the fetus.
Three Common Causes of Anesthesia Injuries or Death
There are risks involved in surgery and anesthesia, and not every negative outcome is due to negligence or medical malpractice. Medical professionals perform lifesaving work every day, and they deserve our gratitude and respect. However, the medical system in the United States is also a business, and when that business is facing a mistake that could mean millions of dollars in damages, it can be difficult to get the truth as to what went wrong and why. If your loved one was the victim of a serious injury or death during anesthesia, you should contact an attorney who has the expertise to get the truth. A Maryland medical malpractice attorney can force the doctor or hospital to provide records of what happened and have that information examined by experts to determine if malpractice occurred. In situations where malpractice is identified, our experts will calculate all of the financial damages that the victims will need to make things right for themselves and their families. We cannot undo the past, but we can help pave the way for a brighter future. For a free, no-obligation consultation, please call Brown & Barron at(410) 547-0202or contact us online by clickinghere.