Diathermy Burns
If you have suffered a diathermy burn during surgery, you will probably have a number of questions that need to be answered. For example, why did you wake up from surgery with a burn on your skin? Is this the fault of your surgeon? And is there any action you can take?
What is a Diathermy Burn?
Diathermy is a surgical technique that uses the heat generated by an electrical current to cut tissue or seal blood vessels. It is a frequently used tool, but it is essential surgeons and their operating team remain aware of the hazards, as diathermy can be dangerous if not handled with the necessary skill and expertise.
If a surgeon does fail to display acceptable standards of care, a patient will be at risk of a diathermy burn. Often this will occur if the diathermy is not applied to the skin properly, or if the skin has been prepared with (or accidentally come into contact with) a spirit based solution.
The burn to the skin will vary in severity depending upon the set of circumstances. However, it will undoubtedly create additional complications for a patient who has just undergone surgery, with problems such as pain, infection, delayed healing and scarring all a very real possibility. In more serious cases, plastic surgery will be required to repair the trauma to the skin. This will usually involve taking skin grafts from other areas of the body, therefore leaving further scars.
Does a Diathermy Burn Amount to Medical Negligence?
If you suffered a diathermy burn during surgery, you need to discover exactly why it happened. This is because diathermy burns should not happen if acceptable standards of care are provided. Therefore diathermy injuries are often the result of medical negligence. This may arise because:-
- Faulty equipment is used;
- The surgeon performs an improper technique;
- It is used on skin treated with spirit based preparation;
- Diathermy is not appropriate for the type of surgery that is being carried out.
However, every case is different, which is why you should discuss the details of your treatment with a solicitor. This is the easiest way to discover whether your injuries were the direct consequence of medical negligence. If you have sustained a burn that can be attributed to the actions of medical professionals, you will be able to make a medical negligence claim.
Making a Surgical Negligence Claim
If you would like to find out if you were the victim of medical negligence, contact a solicitor today for a free initial consultation. If you can pursue legal action which is subsequently successful, you will be awarded compensation for the pain and suffering you have experienced.
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Early legal assistance can be vital so please contact us if you would like to discuss your situation. Please call us free on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
Can We Help You With A Medical Negligence Enquiry?
Early legal assistance can be vital so please contact us if you would like to discuss your situation. Please call us free on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
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