Surgical procedures can make anyone nervous. Most surgery patients breathe a sigh of relief after the procedure is over. However, the danger is not over just because the actual procedure is over. Post-surgical infections are a very real threat - especially if the patient is elderly or in ill health. If you or a loved one suffered an infection after getting surgery, you may wonder if the infection was preventable. If an infection is caused by substandard medical practices before, during, or after a surgery, this may be considered medical negligence. The patient, or the patient’s surviving loved ones, may be entitled to monetary compensation through a medical malpractice claim.
Post-Operative Infection After Surgery
Any surgical procedure has risks, and one of the most serious risks is the chance of bacteria, viruses, or other pathogens entering the body. There are many ways to significantly decrease the chances of infection after surgery, including thorough sanitation of the operating equipment before surgery, proper handwashing and use of personal protective equipment, and post-surgery wound care.
Negligence on the part of a doctor, surgeon, or another medical provider may lead to avoidable infections. If a post-operative infection is not recognized and treated promptly, the infection can spread and become extremely dangerous. Some post-operative infections are fatal. The at-fault party for a surgery-related infection may be an individual or liability may fall to the hospital or medical facility.
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