Surgical staples are medical devices used to close wounds and incisions both externally and internally. Medical professionals prefer staples over stitches because of their uniformity, efficiency, and application speed. However, their use also comes with drawbacks, and staple-related medical incidents are reported across the United States.
If a staple malfunction or doctor error causes you or a loved one harm, a Michigan surgical stapling injury lawyer could help you understand your rights and determine whether you have a case. At Thurswell Law, our experienced surgical error attorneys could investigate whether defective equipment or medical negligence is responsible for your damages and help you pursue financial compensation.
How Do Doctors Use Surgical Staples?
Surgical staples can be used in a variety of different applications, including gastric bypass and heart surgery. Surgical staples are typically made with metals such as stainless steel or titanium. Medical professionals deploy them quickly through a mechanical cartridge to secure incisions and wounds with the same strength as sutures.
Surgical staples are favored for their convenience and because they are generally associated with a lower infection risk than sutures. However, they do not dissolve as sutures can and require removal once a wound is healed. If surgical stapling causes you injury or complications, contact our Michigan attorneys for help seeking financial recovery.
Complications From Surgical Stapling
Despite the benefits, surgical stapling is not without risks. Injuries can be caused by a stapler misfiring or malfunctioning or by the staples not forming correctly, leading to separation of the suture lines. A medical professional may also misapply the staples, and in some cases, the stapler can attach to the patient’s tissue.
Complications arising from issues such as these typically include:
- Infection at the incision site
- Septic shock, caused by an infection reaching the bloodstream
- Formation of a fistula, an abnormal connection between body parts
- Internal bleeding
- Hernia
- Stomach acid leakage after gastric bypass surgery
- Organ failure
If the care provider fails to properly monitor, diagnose, and treat any complications arising due to surgical stapling, there can be serious consequences for the patient, including long-term injury, permanent disability, or death. If medical negligence causes you or a loved one to suffer a surgical stapling injury, our Michigan attorneys know how to investigate your claim and pursue damages on your behalf.
What To Do if You Experience Complications From Surgical Staples
Following a surgical stapling procedure, patients should carefully monitor themselves for any possible issues. Seek prompt medical attention if you experience any of the following:
- Sudden or serious pain
- Bleeding from the incision site
- Redness or swelling at the incision area
- Increased depth or size of the stapled area
- Pus or discharge from the stapled area
- A fever that lasts four hours or more
Medical professionals have a responsibility to provide adequate treatment and follow-up care, meaning they should address any potential issues that arise due to surgical stapling. Contact us to speak to a Michigan attorney if you have any questions about how your caregiver treated your surgical stapling injury.
Contact a Michigan Attorney About Your Surgical Stapling Injury
Complications following surgical stapling can cause severe health issues for the patient. If surgical stapling caused you or a loved one illness, injury, or permanent health complications, a Michigan surgical stapling injury lawyer from our firm could fight for compensation on your behalf. We know that experience gets results. Call Thurswell Law today to schedule a free consultation.
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