6 Cases of Missing Limbs and Other Surgery Nightmares

What are surgical mistakes? Though rare, medical mishaps happen. The true stories of these astonishing surgical errors will shock you.

By Allison Futterman
Nov 28, 2023 7:00 PM
doctor looking distressed at clipboard after a surgical mistake
(Credit:Ljupco Smokovski/Shutterstock)

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Thousands of surgical mistakes are made each year, leading to horrific outcomes, including death.

When it comes to our health and well-being, many of us turn to medical professionals for the best treatments and advice. While health professionals have the medical know-how, they are still human. And being human means that mistakes can happen. Some mistakes aren’t just misdiagnoses; some can be life-altering errors. Though they are rare, medical mistakes such as surgical errors have occurred.  

What are Surgical Errors?

Surgical mistakes occur when a medical professional performs surgery on the wrong limb or the wrong side of the body. In some cases, surgeons conduct surgery on the wrong patient or perform unnecessary surgery. In other situations, surgeons have cut an organ by mistake or left instruments or other objects inside a patient. Some have even failed to address complications. 

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