Recommendations for management following the discovery of wrong-site surgery A. General If, during the course of a surgical procedure, or after surgery has been completed, it is determined that the surgery is being or has been performed at the wrong site, the surgeon should always: 1) act in accord with the patient's best interests and to promote the patient's well-being; 2) record the events in appropriate medical records. B. General Anesthesia If the procedure is being performed under general anesthesia, when it is determined that the surgery is being performed at the wrong-site, the surgeon should: 1) take appropriate steps to return the patient, as nearly as possible, to the patient's pre-operative condition; 2) perform the desired procedure at the correct site, unless there are medical reasons not to proceed. For example, if proceeding with the surgery at the correct site would materially increase the risk associated with extended length of surgical procedure or if correct site surgery would likely result in an additional and unacceptable disability; 3) advise the patient, and the patient's family, if appropriate, as soon as reasonably possible, of what occurred and the likely consequences, if any of the wrong-site surgery. C. Local Anesthesia If the procedure is being performed under a local anesthesia and the patient is clearly able to comprehend what has occurred and competent to exercise judgment, the surgeon should: 1) take appropriate steps to return the patient, as nearly as possible, to the patient's pre-operative condition; 2) advise the patient of what has occurred, recommend to the patient what, in the surgeon's best judgment, is the appropriate course for the patient to follow under the circumstances; and 3) truthfully answer any relevant question posed by the patient and then proceed as directed by the patient. D. Discovery After Surgery If after the surgical procedure has been completed, it is determined that the surgery was performed at the wrong-site, the surgeon should: as soon as reasonably possible, discuss the mistake with the patient and, if appropriate, with the patient's family and recommend an immediate plan to rectify the mistake unless there is a medical reason not to proceed. Return to the IOS Newsletter Archive Educational Meetings and Program | Board of Directors | Residency | Find a Surgeon | Membership | Allied Association Links | Newsletter | Governmental Affairs | IAOS Main Page All material Copyright from the Illinois Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons, all rights reserved.