Grievous surgical errors may seem unthinkable, but they occur more often that you probably realize. Although it might feel like something out of a bad movie script, surgical errors occur many times every day in the United States. These irreversible mistakes include amputating the wrong limb, removing organs from the wrong people and even…

  Errors in childbirth can be devastating. Fortunately, these incidents are rare, but when they do occur, birth injury can result in permanent damage, or even death. In many cases, unforeseen complications arise, nothing can be done and no one is at fault. In other cases, however, human errors can happen. Sadly, hospitals and health…

  Retained surgical instruments refer to metal implements, sponges and other items that may be left behind in the human body after surgery. These events are entirely preventable, yet the number of occurrences continues to grow in the United States. Items left behind after surgery can cause devastating consequences for the patient, including disability and…

  Outpatient surgery, also known as ambulatory surgery, has become a way of life in the United States. Insurance companies and doctors alike may direct patients to outpatient facilities, often for reasons that consider finances above patient safety. Experts warn that these facilities may not be equipped to handle complications that can arise, and as…

  Hospital ratings have become a hotly debated topic recently. A variety of governmental and private resources publish comprehensive ratings for hospitals and medical facilities across the country, and research shows that these ratings correlate significantly with potential patient outcomes regarding surgical complications and risks. Unfortunately, the health care system may dictate where insured patients…

  Any form of heart surgery carries the risk of serious complications or even death. Balloon angioplasty is no exception. However, when error or negligence come into play during this critical surgery, as part of treatment or during aftercare it can have devastating consequence. Let’s take a closer look at this important procedure and what…