Surgical errors can have a negative impact on patients in a number of ways, but one of the most serious risks is ending up with an infection. Post-surgical infections can result from medical errors, such as leaving a sponge in the body. That infection can turn into sepsis, which has the potential to be life-threatening.
When you develop an infection, the body releases chemicals that fight it. In some cases, the body does not respond correctly. The chemicals that are released trigger changes that can end up damaging the body and many of the organs inside. Sepsis can become a life-threatening condition, especially when a patient does not receive appropriate care.
Septic shock is a progression of sepsis that can kill
Sepsis starts with some early signs. Without treatment, patients may show signs such as taking 22 breaths a minute or more, having changes in their mental status or having a low systolic blood pressure.
In a case of sepsis that evolves into septic shock, the blood pressure inside the body drops rapidly. Medication might be needed to help maintain the person’s blood pressure and to manage high level of lactic acid in the blood.
Sepsis can lead to serious consequences, such as damage to the brain, heart, kidneys or lungs. You could lose parts of the body to gangrene as well. If you develop this condition as a complication of a surgical error, the medical provider who committed the error should be held accountable. It’s wise to seek the guidance of an experienced malpractice attorney to determine what your legal options are.
