Millions of different surgeries are occurring every day across the world. Surgeons are helping patients in a number of ways, whether it’s a joint replacement, endarterectomy, or surgery to treat eye problems and diseases.
It’s essential that surgeons and theatre practitioners are highly qualified to avoid potential errors during surgery. Just a small error could make the difference between life and death for the patient.
When surgeries go wrong, a lawsuit can be filed. The same applies when equipment malfunctions or has not passed safety regulations and causes harm to patients.
There are certain surgical procedures that are more common than others. Let’s run through which surgeries are the most common and what they entail.
Carotid Endarterectomy
A common procedure that is performed by cardiac surgeons is a carotid endarterectomy. This procedure can take between one and three hours.
Carotid endarterectomies are performed to remove blockages from the carotid artery so that blood can flow freely through the vessel once again. Most often, blockages are caused by the build-up of fatty substances.
Carotid endarterectomy is a surgical procedure to remove a blockage from carotid arteries, the arteries located in the neck that supply blood to the brain. Left untreated, a blocked carotid artery can lead to a stroke
Joint Replacement
The most common joint replacement is a hip replacement. Joint replacements are required to reduce pain and improve movement patterns around arthritic joints or broken bones.
Joint replacements are usually made out of metal and plastic, and they can last for several years. However, some joint replacements may need to be redone in the future, such as knee replacements.
With joint replacements, it’s essential that the components are safe for humans. If not, the materials will get recalled and patients may be eligible for compensation, such as in the Exactech recall lawsuit.
Caesarean Section
Caesarean section procedures are sometimes called C-sections. This is the surgical delivery of a baby that is achieved by making precise surgical incisions in the mother’s abdomen and uterine wall.
In some areas of the world, women are offered the option of a C-section instead of natural birth. Sometimes, C-sections are necessary for the safety of the mother and baby, such as in the event of an emergency or a breech presentation.
Cholecystectomy
A cholecystectomy is a surgical procedure to remove the gallbladder, which is a pear-shaped organ near the liver. The function of the gall bladder is to hold the bile that is produced by the liver and release it during digestion.
When the gallbladder gets infected or has gallstones, it often needs to be removed. If left untreated, an infected gallbladder can become cancerous.
Coronary Artery Bypass
A coronary artery bypass is performed in those with coronary artery disease, a condition where there has been a build-up of plaque in the arteries. This plaque can restrict blood flow around the heart, increasing the risk of a heart attack.
During a coronary artery bypass, a piece of a vein is placed around the blockage to produce a bypass. This enables blood to flow around the blocked area. Most commonly, the piece of vein is obtained from the leg.
