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Surgical Complications Increase With Emergency Surgery

Posted in Medical Malpractice on Friday, July 12, 2013.

As opposed to the risks associated with a planned gallbladder surgery, a study has found a correlation between emergency gallbladder surgeries and post-surgical complications. Surgery at night and being an older male were also associated with certain surgical errors and complications. Data was gathered from nearly 600 gallbladder surgeries performed at one large city hospital. The study suggested a staggering 90 percent of the surgeries that happened at night also produced complications. No Philadelphia hospitals were named in the study.

Even though the study was too small to determine a definite cause and effect, the lead investigator believes that more information is required on the time of day the surgery is performed and the difference between planned and emergency surgeries in order to potentially reduce the number of complications.

Out of 600 gallbladder surgeries over the course of eight months, 22 of the patients had complications, and 18 of these had emergency surgeries. Until the findings have been published in a peer review journal, the data will be regarded as preliminary, but sooner identification of a problematic gallbladder could potentially reduce complications associated with this type of surgery. Some serious gallbladder problems are reportedly hard to detect, and it is therefore recommended to seek immediate medical attention for chronic pain in the upper-right abdomen, vomiting and nausea as these may all be symptoms of a serious gallbladder problem, including gallstones.

Surgical errors can range in seriousness and should inspire immediate medical attention. If someone has fallen victim to surgical complications created by medical errors, a medical malpractice attorney may be able to determine if the hospital is at fault and help them receive compensation for financial loss and medical costs incurred.

Source: US News & World Report, “Complications More Likely With Emergency Gallbladder Surgery: Study“, July 03, 2013