What is Anesthesiology?
Anesthesiology is the study and practice of administering sedation and/or anesthesia for the purpose of preventing patients from feeling pain. Anesthesiologists will often make recommendation for the best method of administering anesthesia, depending on the surgical procedure. Anesthesiologists may also be involved in a patient's pain management after surgery.
Most doctors have general training in anesthesiology. However, anesthesiologists, like many medical specialties, require focused study and a residency in the field in order to obtain the proper certification for medical practice. Treating medical professionals should consult with anesthesiologists prior to performing medical procedures.
Anesthesiology Malpractice
Numerous forms of anesthesia are available to patients and it is the responsibility of the anesthesiologist to select the most appropriate type of medication that suits the patient's need during any given medical procedure. Patients can respond very differently to the various forms of anesthesia. Age, height, weight and general health are all factors in this selection process.
Unfortunately, anesthesiology is a medical specialty that is often closely associated with anesthesiology malpractice. Surgery can be dangerous, but the anesthetic used can also be detrimental to the patient's health. Patients can react poorly and there is little room for error. Death or brain damage can result from improper administration of an anesthetic.
The potential for problems that result from improper administration of an anesthetic are common and the resulting outcome for the patient is often poor.
What are the Health Risks associated with Anesthesiology?
Errors in the administration or supervision of anesthetics caused by anesthesiology malpractice can result in serious harm to patients. Some of the significant consequences of anesthesiology malpractice include:
- Respiratory Distress or Pulmonary-Cardiac Arrest
Either condition may occur when high levels of anesthesia are administered, causing the patient's oxygen levels to dangerously decline. The deprivation of oxygen can result in irreversible brain damage and even death.
- Spinal Cord Damage
Improper administration of epidural anesthetics can result in serious damage to a patient's spinal cord and can cause paralysis.
- Waking During Surgery
Administering inadequate levels of anesthetics can result in patients waking during surgery, potentially causing damage to themselves through involuntary and voluntary movement while sensitive medical procedures are being performed.
- Allergic Reactions
Patients can suffer from serious allergic reactions to certain agents administered if an anesthesiologist fails to take a proper and detailed medical history.
Additionally, errors can occur when a nurse fails to administer the correct anesthetic as ordered by the anesthesiologist. If an anesthesiologist fails to check to see that the right medication and the proper dosage is given to a patient, he or she can also be found at fault for any negative reactions suffered by the patient as a result.
Legal Help for Victims of Anesthesiology related Medical Malpractice
If you, a family member or friend have suffered a serious illness, injury, or medical condition due to anesthesiology malpractice, contact a anesthesiology malpractice lawyer at the Finz firm now toll free at (855) TOP-FIRM to speak with an attorney experienced in anesthesiology malpractice or fill out the Free Anesthesiology Malpractice Case Evaluation form.
