Doctor Publically Admits to Surgical Mistake : Could this happen in Virginia?

A Boston doctor has publically admitted to a surgical error in hopes that his story will help prevent future mistakes.
 
Dr. David Ring, a surgeon at Massachusetts General Hospital, was to perform surgery on 65-year-old patient with trigger finger in her left ring finger.  The doctor went through all the pre-operation steps: he verified the symptoms, the abnormal findings on her physical examination and the informed consent. He confirmed the trigger finger was on the patient's left ringer finger and reviewed the procedure with her. Then he went to perform carpal tunnel surgery on another patient.
 
When he returned, the patient's arm had been washed with soap, alcohol, and povidone-iodine. The alcohol had caused the surgery site-marking to wash off.  Dr. Ring performed carpal tunnel surgery on the patient with trigger finger.
 
While writing his notes after the procedure, the doctor realized what happened.  He immediately told the patient of the medical mistake, and performed the necessary procedure.
 
Surgical mistakes are not uncommon.  According to a 2003 survey by the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, 21 percent of hand surgeons said they had operated on the wrong site at least once. In fact, 68% of surgical error claims are related to orthopedic surgery.
 
Learn more about surgical errors in our article, “Surgical Errors in Virginia: Can They Be Prevented?”
 
Norfolk personal injury attorney Lawrence Land helps victims of Virginia medical malpractice to collect fair compensation for their injuries, pain and other losses. To learn more, contact Lawrence Land at 757-251-0198.