Surgical Errors: What They Are, Who’s at Risk, and How to Avoid Them

When something goes wrong during surgery, it’s not just a mistake—it’s a surgical error, an avoidable mistake made during a medical procedure that results in harm to the patient. Also known as medical malpractice, these errors can range from operating on the wrong body part to leaving tools inside a patient, and they’re far more common than hospitals admit. These aren’t rare accidents. Studies show that surgeons make preventable mistakes in about 1 in 200 operations, and many go unreported. The real problem? Most of these errors happen because of system failures—not because a doctor is careless.

One major cause is poor communication. A surgeon might misread a chart, a nurse might not double-check the site, or the patient’s medical history might be incomplete. patient safety, the practice of preventing harm during medical care depends on clear checks at every step. Another big risk factor is fatigue. Surgeons working long shifts, especially in understaffed hospitals, are more likely to make errors. And then there’s surgical complications, unintended outcomes that can arise even with proper care—like infections or blood clots—that sometimes get confused with outright errors. The line between complication and error is thin, but the difference matters when it comes to accountability.

Who’s most at risk? People with complex health issues—like uncontrolled diabetes or obesity—are more likely to face complications that can be mislabeled as errors. Older patients, those with limited mobility, or people who can’t clearly explain their symptoms are also more vulnerable. And if you’re getting surgery in a high-volume hospital that doesn’t track outcomes closely, your risk goes up. The good news? Many errors are preventable. Simple steps like using checklists, verifying patient identity before cutting, and having a second set of eyes review the plan can cut errors by half.

What you’ll find in the posts below aren’t stories of horror—they’re real cases, clear explanations, and practical advice on how to spot red flags before surgery, ask the right questions, and protect yourself. From knowing when to delay a procedure to understanding why your surgeon’s experience matters, these articles give you the tools to speak up, not just sit quietly in a hospital gown. You don’t need to be a medical expert to avoid a surgical error. You just need to know what to look for.