Unnecessary Surgeries and New York Medical Malpractice

Our Albany Medical Malpractice Lawyer Explains Unnecessary Surgeries: Could They be Medical Malpractice?

It is a shocking truth that our healthcare system performs an alarming amount of unnecessary surgeries.  Studies indicate that these surgeries have limited if any effects, including partial meniscectomies which have had “no” benefits than non surgery after 12 months, and that spinal fusions do not lead to improved long-term patient outcomes when compared to other non-surgical treatment options.  In fact, the study actually said that it is safer to board a nuclear submarine, spaceship, or commercial airline than go into a hospital!  This is a shocking statistic and claim that our Albany medical malpractice lawyer must share because unnecessary surgeries, while many do not result in additional harm, others can and due result in significant injuries to patients for unnecessary reasons.

Why do Unnecessary Surgeries Occur?

There are many reasons why unnecessary surgeries occur.  The main reasons include the following:

1. Defensive medicine – doctors do not want to be sued for not performing treatment, especially to an aggressive patient;
2. External pressure – doctors face extreme pressure from outside sources such as their practice group, drug companies, hospitals, insurance companies, and other external sources that WANT them to perform surgery and to meet quotes because this is how everyone gets paid;
3. Misdiagnosing or improper diagnosing of patients – sometimes unnecessary surgery occurs because a healthcare provider made a mistake in diagnosing a condition which really does NOT need surgery, but the doctors does anyway.

Risks of Unnecessary Surgery 

When there is an unnecessary surgery, most times everything will go as planned.  There won’t be an issue.  And in fact, a patient might not know that it is an unnecessary surgery.  However, other times the surgery might fail and actually result in significant harm to a patient.  This could be due to the fact that a patient may suffer complications from the unnecessary surgery.  Patients may react to anesthesia or other drug used which could be dangerous.  Injuries from scar tissue and the incision could lead to a life of pain.  And in certain instances when the malpractice is particularly horrible, patients could sustain permanent injuries to their organs or brain which could be devastating.

But what do you think?  I would love to hear from you!  Leave a comment or I also welcome your phone call on my toll-free cell at 1-866-889-6882 or you can drop me an e-mail at jfisher@fishermalpracticelaw.com.  You are always welcome to request my FREE book, The Seven Deadly Mistakes of Malpractice Victims, at the home page of my website at www.protectingpatientrights.com.