Surgical Complications Are Staggeringly Common, and Many Are Preventable Errors

A recently published study suggests that surgical complications remain depressingly common and are frequently preventable. These “adverse events” cause patients to suffer needless additional injury, delaying their recovery and increasing their medical costs. In some cases, these errors cause permanent injuries or death. Why are there so many complications, and what should medical providers do to reverse this trend?

More Than One-Third of Surgical Patients Have Complications

The study, published in the BMJ (previously called the British Medical Journal) in September 2024, reviewed records from 1009 randomly selected patients at 11 Massachusetts hospitals. All were adults admitted to the hospital for inpatient surgical procedures. Trained nurses reviewed the patients’ records and identified possible adverse events, which physicians then reviewed and confirmed.

This review identified adverse events in 38% of the patient files, 16% of which were classified as “major” events (resulting in serious harm requiring substantial intervention or prolonged recovery, involving a life-threatening event, or leading to a fatal outcome). Of the total number of adverse events, the reviewers classified 26% as definitively, probably, or possibly preventable.

How and Why Adverse Effects Occur in Surgical Patients

The study classifies the adverse events into specific types, including those related to the surgical procedure, adverse drug events, patient care events related to nursing care (such as a fall or pressure ulcer), a healthcare-associated infection, or a blood transfusion reaction. Nearly half of the identified complications were directly related to the surgical procedure; almost a quarter were adverse drug events.

Adverse events occurred in many settings, from pre-operative intake and assessment to post-operative recovery, and involved healthcare professionals of all types (nurses, assistants, attending physicians, specialists, etc.) throughout the hospital. Although these figures seem staggeringly high, it’s important to note that this study only reviewed patients admitted for inpatient surgeries (including an overnight stay). Many surgeries are now outpatient procedures, where the patient is discharged hours after completion. Inpatient procedures tend to involve more serious illnesses or complex issues, so a higher rate of complications may be expected.

However, of the 593 identified adverse events, 353 (59.5%) were classified as “potentially” preventable, and 123 (20.7%) were “definitely” or “probably” preventable. Preventable adverse events occur for many reasons, including individual negligence, exhaustion, and error. Administrative pressure to treat and discharge patients quickly and efficiently, chronic short-staffing, and high patient-to-staff ratios also increase the risk of adverse events. The frequency of these types of adverse events is concerning.

When Adverse Events Are Medical Malpractice

Medical professionals and facilities, including hospitals, owe their patients a legal duty of care. Part of this duty is to take reasonable steps to ensure patient safety. While not all adverse events are preventable, hospitals should examine and improve their policies to prioritize patient safety and reduce preventable complications. They must also develop and encourage a culture of accountability and ensure workers who report safety concerns do not experience retaliation.

Hospitals and doctors who fail to meet the generally accepted standard of care may be held responsible for medical malpractice. Incidents of hospital and physician malpractice can take many forms, including misdiagnosis, medication errors, delayed treatment or failure to treat, surgical mistakes, inadequate evaluation, and more. Policies that increase the risk of adverse events, such as poor sanitary conditions, inadequate protective equipment, or chronic understaffing, may also lead to liability.

Pursuing a Michigan Medical Malpractice Lawsuit

Patients who suffer unnecessary, preventable surgical complications may be able to pursue a medical malpractice lawsuit for their damages. Families of patients who suffered fatal injuries can pursue a wrongful death claim. Filing a lawsuit can allow you to seek justice, hold healthcare providers accountable, and recover compensation for your losses. 

Michigan medical malpractice lawsuits have specific procedural requirements and time limits. If you’re considering pursuing a claim against a hospital, look for an attorney with the experience and resources to get the results you deserve. The skilled attorneys at Sommers Schwartz, P.C. can help you evaluate your claim and assess your options. Contact us today to learn more and schedule a free consultation.