Anaesthetics

Sometimes however the patient can suffer because the anaesthetic given is not suitable, the incorrect dosage has been given, or the patient is not monitored effectively throughout the surgery, which may mean symptoms highlighting a problem are not identified.  

If insufficient anaesthetic is given, it is possible that a patient may awake during surgery, causing immense pain and suffering but also potentially long-term psychological effects from the experience. Alternatively there may be cases where despite the patient being unconscious their health has suffered due to lack of monitoring. There are a number of problems that can arise during an operation and it is vital that the anaesthetist, and others within the operating theatre, react quickly to avoid a patient suffering.  

Allergic reactions to anaesthetic can occur and require immediate treatment, as they can be life threatening.  Symptoms usually occur soon after the patient comes into contact with the offending agent.  Again it is important that the anaesthetist reacts quickly to the immediate signs that something may be wrong, for example, a fall in the oxygen saturation of the patient. 

The majority of operations go well but sometimes there can be serious complications, which can have a very detrimental effect on patients. If this happens as a result of negligence on the part of the anaesthetist or operating staff, it may be possible to investigate a claim for medical negligence. If you would like advice in this area, please contact us.