Bile Duct Injury Leading to Pancreatitis
While performing a gallbladder removal, it is possible that the surgeon perforates the patient's bile duct. This will lead to serious complications, one of which is acute pancreatitis.
Bile duct injury during gallbladder removal
Bile is a liquid produced by the liver which used to aid digestion. It leaves the liver via the bile duct, a series of long narrow tubes which carry bile into the stomach and small intestine.
Bile is also fed into the gallbladder, a small pouch underneath the liver which acts as a reservoir, temporarily holding bile until it is required by the small intestine for digestion. However, sometimes the chemicals that make up bile become out of balance, causing small hard stones to form. These are known as gallstones and are a common problem, particularly in people over the age of 40.
Often gallstones will not cause any problems whatsoever, in which case the patient will not require medical intervention. But some will experience severe abdominal pain which lasts for around 60 to 90 minutes. In such cases, a patient will be advised to undergo a cholecystectomy, the medical term for gallbladder removal.
Surgical removal of the gallbladder is a frequently performed operation, and the NHS carry out some 60,000 cholecystectomies every year. However, there are risks involved, one of which is the possibility that the surgeon will perforate the bile duct. Indeed, the gallbladder is attached to the common bile duct, so the surgeon must be sure to seal this tube with clips before proceeding with the operation. He or she must also take great care to ensure that the gallbladder is not damaged.
Have You Been The Victim Of Medical Negligence?
For immediate assistance with an enquiry about a potential medical negligence claim, please do not delay.
Call us now on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form and let us help you.
"Thank you so much, (Alicia), I am totally thrilled at the results you achieved today.
Honestly, I cannot thank you enough for all the hard work and effort you have put into this case. Without your expertise, knowledge and perseverance, we would not have been able to reach the results today."
Mrs. H.
Complications of a bile duct injury
But unfortunately there are occasions when the surgeon does not take sufficient care when removing the gallbladder, accidentally perforating the bile duct. This will happen in around one in 500 cholecystectomy operations, and will lead to a series of complications for the patient concerned.
The leakage of bile will cause a severe infection in the abdominal cavity, impair liver function and can also damage the pancreas. Pancreatic problems will be compounded by medical professionals performing ERCPs, a procedure which allows them to assess the bile duct and pancreatic duct by inserting a small camera into the patient. This can, however, lead to acute pancreatitis with necrosis of the pancreas.
Claiming for medical negligence
If you have suffered complications such as pancreatitis because your bile duct was injured during gallbladder removal, you could be considered the victim of medical negligence. This means that your surgeon did not display the skill and expertise expected of a competent medical professional, causing you injury. You will therefore be entitled to compensation for the damage this caused.
Can We Help You With A Medical Negligence Enquiry?
Early legal assistance can be vital so please contact us if you would like to discuss your situation. Please call us free on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
Can We Help You With A Medical Negligence Enquiry?
Early legal assistance can be vital so please contact us if you would like to discuss your situation. Please call us free on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
"It is to you, (Alicia), that we must give the most heartfelt thanks. You have been everything that we could wish for in a solicitor. Empathetic, supportive and with the staying power of a marathon runner, involved with us personally, yet thoroughly professional and surefooted."
Mr. & Mrs. B.
"Many thanks to you, (Lucy). I have 100% faith in you. Throughout this you have been helpful, down to earth and supportive and have felt like a friend during the entire process. I would unreservedly recommend you, or use your services again, if the need should arise in the future."
Ms J.
Make An Enquiry
Why Choose Us
- Specialist medical negligence solicitors
- Free initial enquiries
- No win, no fee available
Reviews
"I would like to say a big thank you to you for making this whole process easy and relatively painless. You kept me informed throughout and you were always polite and courteous in all forms of communication. I would not hesitate to recommend you to friends and family, so a really big thank you and I wish you all the best in the future."
Mr A.
Our Expertise
Helping Clients Across England & Wales
Free Medical Negligence Guide
'7 Questions You Must Ask Before Choosing A Medical Negligence Solicitor'