Bladder Injury At Hysterectomy
If substandard medical care has caused you to suffer bladder injury during a hysterectomy, you will be entitled to pursue a claim for compensation.
Why is the bladder at risk of injury?
Bladder injury is a recognised risk of hysterectomy, although it is not particularly common with an incidence of less than 0.7%. The reason why the bladder is at risk of injury at hysterectomy is because of its close proximity to the uterus and cervix. In fact, as the bladder lies in front of the cervix and vagina, it has to be mobilised surgically away from these structures during the operation.
Will I suffer a bladder injury?
There are certain factors that increase the risk of bladder injury during hysterectomy, such as previous abdominal surgery, obesity and gross uterine enlargement. The fact that the uterus is slightly enlarged by small fibroids would not be expected to increase the risk of bladder injury. If a patient is unfortunate enough to sustain a bladder injury during the procedure, it must be recognise and repaired immediately by the surgical team.
Is a bladder injury the surgeon's fault?
A bladder injury suffered during a hysterectomy will not be considered negligent, as long as a good standard of care has been provided. This includes mobilising the bladder out of harm's way, protecting the bladder while the vaginal vault is being sutured, and performing the operation in accordance with NHS guidelines. If all these elements are achieved, a good standard of care will have been provided and the surgeon cannot be blamed. Rather, it is an unfortunate but accepted complication of a hysterectomy.
Is a bladder injury ever considered negligent?
However, there are times when a bladder injury at hysterectomy is deemed negligent. For example, if a surgeon fails to adequately protect the bladder throughout the course of the operation, the standard of care will have fallen below an acceptable level. This may result in the laceration of the bladder, or the bladder being stitched to the vagina.
There will also be a case of negligence if the surgeon damages the bladder but fails to recognise the injury.
Can I make a claim for a bladder injury at hysterectomy?
If your bladder has been injured during a hysterectomy, you need to speak to a solicitor about the options available to you. If there has been a case of negligence, you will be legally entitled to pursue a claim for compensation. Contact us today to find out more.
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