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Hospitals often fail to inform patients of less-invasive surgical options

Patients undergoing major surgical procedures at U.S. hospitals are not always informed of less invasive options that could spare them unnecessary risk, healing time and expense, according to a report published recently in the medical journal JAMA Surgery.

Less invasive often means less risky

Laparoscopic surgery, or laparoscopy, is a minimally invasive surgical technique that is performed using tiny cameras and surgical tools inserted through a small incision in the abdomen. Although laparoscopy is not always a suitable alternative to more invasive procedures, in many cases it is. When used effectively, it offers many advantages over traditional open surgery.

One of the biggest benefits of laparoscopic surgery is that it is far less traumatic than ordinary surgery, which can require large incisions through muscles, organs and other tissues. Conventional invasive surgery carries a higher risk of infection and other complications, as well as increased recovery time, pain and scarring.

Less expensive, too

Not only is minimally invasive surgery typically less risky and painful for patients, but it is also far less costly. The study found that laparoscopic surgery saved patients thousands of dollars, on average, over conventional surgery for the following procedures:

  • Appendix surgery ($1,528 saved)
  • Colon surgery ($7,505 saved)
  • Lung surgery ($6,290 saved)

A large portion of those savings – 44 to 68 percent – came not in the price of the procedure itself, but in the form of reduced complications. According to the report, which was based on an analysis of 80,000 surgeries performed in 2010, patients who underwent conventional surgery required an average of 1.4 days of additional hospitalization compared to those who underwent minimally invasive procedures.

Lack of expertise may be a factor

The researchers found that patients are far more likely to be offered minimally invasive procedures at some hospitals than they are at others. Although study did not specifically address the reasons for the disparity, its authors suggest that lack of expertise may be an issue in some cases – a surgeon who does not perform minimally invasive surgery may be less likely to discuss it with patients as an option. Because the benefits can be substantial, however, patients should be informed of the available alternatives to invasive surgery allowed to make the decision for themselves.

If you or a loved one has been harmed by surgical complications or other forms of medical negligence, including a failure to obtain informed consent, you may be able to recover monetary compensation for your injuries and related damages, including medical bills and lost income. Contact the experienced medical malpractice attorneys at Dallas W. Hartman, P.C., for a personalized consultation about your options.

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