We are at a point in medical history where organ transplants have become common place. Countless lives have been saved because doctors can replace organs that have been damaged or are failing to function. But in order to perform an organ transplant, it is critical that a sufficient standard of care be applied by medical professionals
One organ that has a good track record of successful transplants is the kidney. According to this article, 83 percent of transplanted kidneys are still functioning after three years. Still, kidney transplants can fail. Here are some possible causes for such failures:
- Infections, which can result in the kidney having permanent problems.
- Clots, which prohibit blood flow to the kidney. Clots are most likely to develop soon after surgery.
- Problems with the donated kidney. This sometimes occurs unexpectedly with kidneys that transplant surgeons believed would work.
- Medicines that have harmful side effects. Some medications can damage kidneys.
Even though kidney transplants usually prove successful, there are potential dangers of which medical professionals must be aware. Surgeons must make sure that all measures are taken to prevent infections. They must also exercise sound judgement when making sure a donated kidney is suitable for a patient.
Once the surgery has been completed, a patient’s condition must be carefully monitored. If a patient exhibits any notable ill-effects while recuperating, those issues must be addressed. And doctors must make sure to prescribe medicines that are not harmful to kidneys.
If you or a family member have experienced a failed kidney or other organ transplant that may have been due to the negligence of a medical professional, you may wish to contact an Arizona medical malpractice attorney. The attorney could go over the details of your surgery to determine if you have justification for a malpractice lawsuit.