Appendicitis Misdiagnosis and Compensation Claims
Appendicitis is a common illness. A blockage or an infection in the appendix may cause it to become inflamed. The swelling of the appendix can cause considerable pain in the abdomen and, if left untreated, the appendix may burst. This can lead to a life-threatening situation.
Symptoms and diagnosis
Early diagnosis of appendicitis is necessary in order to ensure that the patient undergoes an appendectomy to have the appendix removed before it bursts.
If a medical practitioner fails to undertake a thorough assessment of the patient's symptoms and offers a misdiagnosis, the patient's life may be put at risk.
Symptoms indicative of appendicitis include abdominal pain which worsens over time and focuses on the lower right hand side of the abdomen. This is where the appendix is found. The patient might also feel nauseous and lose their appetite.
Misdiagnosis of appendicitis symptoms
Unfortunately, these symptoms can sometimes be misdiagnosed, leaving the patient in severe and increasing pain and in danger of suffering a perforated bowel and all the appalling symptoms which can be associated with that outcome.
We have had clients whose appendicitis symptoms have been diagnosed as a urinary tract infection, muscular strain and even constipation.
These symptoms might also be confused with those of irritable bowel syndrome.
Uncertainty as to a diagnosis should result in further investigation as the possible long-term impact of a perforated bowel can be life-changing and life-threatening. The patient may require an ultrasound scan or a CT scan and blood tests to check for the underlying cause and evidence that the appendix is swollen.
Appendicitis and a perforated bowel
A burst appendix or perforated bowel is often associated with peritonitis and sepsis. Once bacterial matter from inside the intestine is allowed into the abdominal cavity, infection can develop and spread, causing the patient to succumb to sepsis.
Sepsis is a dysfunctional immune system response to infection and can cause multiple organ failure. Over 40,000 people die from sepsis in the UK each year and those who survive are often left with long-term debilitating symptoms, such as lethargy and breathlessness, as well as psychological problems such as anxiety and depression. This is described as post-sepsis syndrome.
If the patient's organs have begun to fail, their long-term problems can be even more severe with kidney failure and sight loss.
Medical negligence
A failure by medical professionals to consider that the patient's abdominal symptoms might be caused by appendicitis could be regarded as negligent if the patient subsequently develops that condition.
If the delay in diagnosis allows the patient's condition to deteriorate and their appendix to burst, causing long-term physical and psychological problems, it might be appropriate to make a claim for compensation.
Speak to a solicitor
If you or a loved one are struggling with the on-going effects of a burst appendix, contact Glynns Solicitors today to talk to a specialist medical negligence solicitor about your experience.
A successful compensation claim can provide recompense not only for the patient's pain and suffering but for any financial losses associated with the effects of the medical negligence.
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