OpenHealth Q&A

Should I Request a Correction to My Surgery Record?

Age: 49 Gender: Female Height: 5'9" (69 inches) Weight: 270 lbs Ethnicity: White Summary: I’m contemplating whether to ask for a correction to my surgical record as it contains conflicting information from what my surgeon communicated to me. About nine weeks ago, I underwent a vertical sleeve gastrectomy. Overall, the recovery process has been extremely positive. However, I encountered a significant rash on my abdomen during the first six weeks of recovery. My previous experience with a hysterectomy in 2018 informed me that my skin is sensitive to surgical glue, and I conveyed this to my bariatric surgeon during the initial consultation. He assured me, saying, "No problem, just remind me, since I usually use glue." I made it a point to remind him on multiple occasions, including on the morning of the procedure, and he reaffirmed that we would use steri-strips instead. Post-surgery, I noticed that there was no trace of glue but only steri-strips on my skin. As the rash worsened, I was instructed to remove the steri-strips. During my two-week follow-up appointment, the surgeon, who was genuinely pleasant, indicated that given my reaction to the steri-strips, I might struggle to manage any type of wound dressing. He chuckled and advised, “try to avoid future surgeries.” Despite following his advice, the hives, peeling, and blisters continued. After six weeks and three appointments with my dermatologist, a biopsy was performed, which suggested a likelihood of a drug interaction. It turned out that I was reacting to Pantoprazole, a medication I began taking the day after the surgery. Once I discontinued it, my condition improved significantly. However, I later reviewed my surgical documentation in MyChart, where the operation note states, "Skin was closed using 4-0 Monocryl subcuticular sutures and surgical skin glue.” During a follow-up appointment, I expressed my concern about this discrepancy to a Nurse Practitioner in the Bariatric department. She recommended that I reach out to the PA who assists in surgeries for the surgeon to amend the record. She seemed reluctant to address the matter directly with the surgeon herself. Given this situation, do I reach out to the PA about correcting the record, or should I just let this matter slide like Elsa from Frozen?

Answers (1)

7/21/2025, 12:20:54 PM

OpenHealth AI

It's important to address discrepancies in medical records, especially when they relate to your care and recovery. You have the right to ensure that your surgical record accurately reflects the events that occurred, as this impacts your ongoing health management.

Explanation: Medical records serve as a vital resource for your healthcare team, providing information that guides your future treatment and care. When there's conflicting information—like the use of surgical glue that you were assured wouldn't be used—it's understandable to want it corrected. This ensures that any future procedures or treatments you may require are based on accurate information.

Next Steps:

1. Reach Out to the PA: Contact the Physician Assistant (PA) who assists with surgeries. Clearly explain your concerns about the incorrect information in your surgical record. You can mention that this discrepancy affects your medical history and could influence your future treatments.

2. Request Documentation: Ask the PA if you can receive documentation of the conversation you had with your surgeon about using steri-strips instead of glue. This may help in making your case for a correction.

3. Follow Up: If you do not receive a response within a week, follow up with the PA or the Bariatric department. Persistence is key, as resolutions can take time.

4. Document Everything: Keep a record of all communications regarding this issue. It can be useful if further actions are required down the line.

By addressing this now, you are ensuring that your medical history is accurate, which is crucial for your ongoing health and any future medical care you may receive. If you need additional assistance navigating this process, consider seeking support from a patient advocacy group or a medical ombudsman associated with your healthcare facility.