Failed Septoplasty: Navigating Complications and Patient Rights

Failed septoplasty?

At the end of June, I underwent a septoplasty and turbinate reduction surgery, but the entire surgical process was quite perplexing.
During the evaluation, the only assessments were visual inspection and endoscopy, after which I was told that surgery was necessary.
Due to my distress from the curvature, I was eager to escape this nightmare.
I returned to the hospital expressing my desire for surgery, and this time, the physician was different from the one I consulted initially.
After I expressed my wish to proceed with the surgery, the doctor informed me that he would be traveling abroad in July and asked if I would be willing to accept a referral.
I requested that the doctor arrange the surgery for me.
On the day of the surgery, I received a phone call asking if I was ready for the operation.
I was somewhat hesitant, thinking about the lack of preoperative assessments and evaluations.
There were also no available beds (due to the unexpected incident at the Formosa Fun Coast), but feeling desperate to alleviate my nasal pain, I agreed.
Upon arriving at the operating room, I waited for the physician to arrive while the nurses prepared for the procedure.
However, it was not the attending physician who came, but rather the physician's assistant.
After administering anesthesia, the surgery began, and it was only midway through that the attending physician came to observe.
After the surgery, I inquired at the nursing station about bed availability.
The nursing staff said that if I needed to be hospitalized, arrangements could be made.
This was puzzling since I had been informed earlier that there were no beds available.

Two weeks after the surgery, I noticed that my septum had clearly curved again, obstructing my right nostril and compressing the nasal valve, making it difficult to breathe.
During a follow-up visit, I consulted another doctor about the condition of my right nostril.
The doctor responded that there was airflow.
However, no corrections were made to the other areas of curvature, yet it still remained bent.
Although I could barely breathe before the surgery, it had now resulted in empty nose syndrome.
When I asked if there was a solution, the doctor and nurse seemed somewhat impatient and advised me to consult another physician, claiming he was more specialized in this area, but I was apprehensive.

Is this considered medical negligence? How can I advocate for my patient rights?

bing ren, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2015/07/15

Dr. Zheng Jueyi reply Otolaryngology

Hello, if you have concerns about the entire medical process, it is recommended to first express your opinions through the hospital's complaint channels or feedback windows, where you can usually receive satisfactory handling.
If you are still not satisfied, you may also inquire with the local health bureau for other avenues for feedback.
Wishing you health and safety.
Sincerely, Dr.
Cheng Jue-Yi, Director of the Department of Otolaryngology, Taoyuan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare.

Reply Date: 2015/07/15

More Info

Navigating the complexities of medical procedures, especially when complications arise, can be a daunting experience for patients. Your situation regarding the failed septoplasty raises several important issues about patient rights, informed consent, and the standard of care expected from medical professionals.

Firstly, it is crucial to understand that every surgical procedure carries risks, and the outcomes can vary significantly from patient to patient. In your case, the fact that you experienced a recurrence of nasal obstruction and discomfort after the surgery suggests that the procedure may not have been performed to the expected standard, or that the underlying issues were not adequately addressed. This raises the question of whether there was a failure in the surgical technique or in the pre-operative assessment.

Informed Consent and Pre-operative Assessment:
Informed consent is a fundamental principle in medical ethics and law. It requires that patients be fully informed about the nature of the procedure, its risks, benefits, and alternatives before agreeing to undergo surgery. The lack of a thorough pre-operative assessment and the hurried nature of your surgery, as you described, could be seen as a breach of this principle. Ideally, a comprehensive evaluation should have been conducted to determine the best course of action for your specific condition.

Surgical Competence and Continuity of Care:
The fact that the surgery was performed by a physician's assistant rather than the attending surgeon raises concerns about the continuity of care and the qualifications of the personnel involved in your treatment. Patients have the right to know who will be performing their surgery and to have confidence in their qualifications. If the attending surgeon was not present during the critical phases of the surgery, this could be viewed as a lapse in the standard of care.

Post-operative Care and Communication:
Your experience post-surgery, where you felt dismissed and not adequately heard by the medical staff, is also concerning. Effective communication is essential in healthcare, especially when patients express ongoing symptoms or dissatisfaction with their treatment outcomes. The response you received from the medical team, suggesting that you seek another opinion without addressing your concerns, is not conducive to a trusting patient-provider relationship.

Addressing Medical Errors:
If you believe that your surgery was mishandled or that the care you received was substandard, you have several options to consider:
1. Seek a Second Opinion: It is always advisable to consult another qualified ENT specialist who can evaluate your condition and provide an independent assessment of your surgical outcome. This can help clarify whether the issues you are experiencing are typical post-operative complications or indicative of a more significant problem.

2. Document Your Experience: Keep detailed records of your medical history, including all communications with healthcare providers, surgical notes, and any follow-up appointments. This documentation can be crucial if you decide to pursue a formal complaint or legal action.

3. File a Complaint: You can file a complaint with the hospital or clinic where the surgery was performed. Most institutions have a patient advocacy or ombudsman office that can assist you in addressing your concerns.

4. Consider Legal Action: If you believe that you have suffered harm due to negligence, consulting with a medical malpractice attorney may be appropriate. They can help you understand your rights and the potential for pursuing compensation for any damages incurred.

5. Patient Advocacy Groups: Engaging with patient advocacy organizations can provide additional support and resources as you navigate this challenging situation.

In conclusion, while surgical interventions like septoplasty can significantly improve quality of life, complications and dissatisfaction with outcomes can occur. It is essential to advocate for your health and well-being, ensuring that your concerns are heard and addressed. Seeking further medical advice and understanding your rights as a patient will empower you to take the necessary steps toward resolution and recovery.

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