Pre-Op Surgical Errors - Medical Malpractice Attorney

“Preoperative clearance,” involves the process when healthcare providers identify the patient’s medical history and/or background to determine if they are appropriate for a particular procedure. A physician must carefully review a patient’s chart and medical history to decide whether or not the patient is appropriate for the surgery or whether a different operation is more appropriate. Certain conditions can make a patient inoperable due to the risks of the procedure outweighing the rewards. Many different signs and health factors can tell a doctor not to give preoperative clearance, including:

• Abnormal electrocardiogram (EKG)
• Abnormal heart rate
• Anemia
• Increased risk of blood clots
• Diabetes-related complications
• Drug or alcohol use
• High or low blood pressure
• Underlying medical condition(s)

If a doctor notices any risks that make the patient unfit for the operation, it is his or her professional duty to recognize the issue and take appropriate action. The patient or health problem might be entirely inoperable, or the patient might need to gain better control of his or her health before undergoing the surgery. A doctor can instruct a patient to treat hypertension, diabetes, obesity, diet, sleep problems, or other impairments or issues that could prevent preoperative clearance before returning for another evaluation. Giving clearance when a reasonable and prudent doctor would not have, resulting in undue patient harm or wrongful death, can be medical malpractice.