Despite the increasing complexity of surgical procedures, suturing the incision site is one of the most basic and necessary steps in an operation. Regardless of the surgery site, the organs, tissue, skin, and nerves that are being manipulated must be sutured before the procedure is complete. Safely closing the incision site is required for proper healing, and if an error is made in this step, the patient may be in danger of developing complications.
Improper suturing is typically caused by human error, lack of training, or simple negligence. Failure to train or to keep up with the newest techniques necessary for safe procedures are often to blame, as are dirty surgical tools, incorrect instruments, or an unsanitary environment. These are all common examples of outpatient medical malpractice.
When sutures are not correctly completed, the most common complication is surgical site infection or a reopening of the incision site. While these can generally be treated or fixed, there is no reason for the patient to have to endure further pain because of the carelessness of a medical professional. Occasionally there are other complications such as a worsening of the original ailment, tissue or organ damage, disfigurement or scarring, disability, paralysis, and coma.
Improper suturing can have long lasting physical effects on the victim. It may even cause serious, long-term emotional trauma. Medical malpractice of this nature should not be tolerated. If you or a loved one is the victim of a careless medical professional's inability to properly suture an incision site, you may be entitled to financial compensation for your losses.