Medical Malpractice – Failure of Sterile Technique

Serving Hartford, Waterbury, New Haven and Surrounding Areas

The law firm of Trantolo & Trantolo, LLC has years of experience representing those who have suffered injury as a result of a doctor failing to use proper sterile technique.

During surgeries in operating rooms, maintaining a clean and sterile environment at all times is critical to preventing infection. The human body’s internal organs are extremely susceptible to infection during an operation, and failing to take the proper steps to ensure a sanitary operating room environment can prove fatal to patients. In fact, infections as a result of failing to follow sterile technique are a growing source of medical malpractice complaints.

Causes of Surgical Infections. Infections occur when the surgical site is exposed, making the patient more vulnerable to harmful bacteria and other contagion. Some of the more common ways a doctor may increase the risk of a surgical infection during a procedure include:

• Failing to adequately surgically seal wounds, both internally and on the skin surface
• Failing to use properly sterilized surgical instruments
• Improper or careless preparation prior to the operation
• Operating under unhygienic or unsanitary conditions
• Failing to prescribe appropriate medication to reduce the risk of infection

In most cases, medical professionals can prevent surgical infection by exercising appropriate caution in the planning and execution of the surgical procedure.

Consequences of Surgical Infections. The effects of a surgical infection can vary greatly depending on the infected area. While a finger infection would certainly carry different risks than a brain infection, both can still be extremely serious. Almost always, surgical infections have severe consequences for the patient, such as the amputation of a limb, fever, scarring or disfigurement, severe pain, paralysis, and sometimes even death.

An especially troubling surgical infection that can develop is peritonitis. Peritonitis is caused by an infection spreading from an infected organ into the abdominal cavity. Unless peritonitis is treated promptly, serious complications can develop. Abscesses may form and the infection can leave scar tissue that may eventually obstruct the intestines. The normal passage of stool through the intestines stops and fluid leaks from the blood stream into the abdominal cavity. Severe dehydration can develop, and major complications, such as lung, kidney, or liver failure can follow.

If you or a loved one has suffered damage as a result of a surgical infection caused by the failure to follow sterile technique, the law firm of Trantolo and Trantolo, LLC can help. Contact them today for an initial consultation.