The high numbers of gynecologic exams that are performed in Canada each year unfortunately translates to thousands upon thousands of innocent women enduring medical mistakes at the hands of their practitioner. Because these exams are generally felt to be an extremely personal event, many of the victims of gynecologic errors and malpractice will never speak up about their suffering.
The top 3 procedures from which most errors arise include:
- Gynecologic Laparoscopy
- Hysterectomy
- Tubal Ligation, or sterilization
In the instances of these procedures there are several common red flags that suggest gynecologic error or malpractice. They include:
- Discrepancies between preoperative diagnosis and postoperative pathologic findings
- Antibiotics prescribed more than 24 hours after surgery
- Removal of uterus weighing less than 280 grams for uterine fibroids, or leiomyomata
- Removal of a corpus luteum, or follicular cyst, in the ovary
- Gynecologic surgery requiring more than 2 units of blood
- Gynecologic surgery resulting in a dramatic decrease in postoperative hemoglobin
- Unplanned removal , repair or injury to an organ during an operation
- Unplanned admission to a special unit, like ICU
- Hysterectomy performed on a woman younger than 30 unless it is because of cancer
- Death following any gynecologic procedure
- Readmission to the hospital after 14 days post-surgery, when unplanned
- Subsequent admission of a patient after planned day surgery or ambulatory surgery
- Post-operative infection of a significant nature
Any of these issues and others could indicate gynecological malpractice. If you believe you have been a victim, report any suspicious signs or symptoms immediately.
Greg Monforton & Partners
Windsor, ON N9A 5K3
Phone: (519) 258-6490