Bowel Perforation due to Negligent Colonoscopy
If a patient undergoing a colonoscopy suffers a negligent perforation of the bowel, their life may be endangered. If they suffer severe long-term effects as a result, it might be appropriate to make a claim for compensation.
Bowel perforation
A bowel perforation refers to the tearing of the lining of the bowel, causing a hole to open up between the bowel and the abdominal cavity. It can be a life-threatening situation and requires an immediate response.
The lining of the bowel can perforate or rupture due to the pressure of a number of internal disorders which have remained undiagnosed or untreated. These might include diverticulitis, crohn's disease and appendicitis.
However, a bowel perforation can also occur when medical professionals investigate the condition of the patient's bowel with a colonoscopy.
Colonoscopy procedures
A colonoscopy is a surgical procedure where a tube with a camera fixed to it is inserted via the anus into the patient's bowel to assess its condition and, sometimes, to carry out other surgical functions. It can be used to investigate conditions such as bowel cancer.
The impact of a bowel perforation
A bowel perforation can threaten the life of the patient as it can allow bacterial matter to pass from the bowel into the abdomen where it can cause an infection of the lining of the abdomen, otherwise referred to as peritonitis. Sepsis can develop from this condition leading to the possibility of multiple organ failure and death.
Even when the patient survives, they may be left with long-term problems such as loss of a limb, heart or kidney problems, blindness and cognitive issues.
A bowel perforation can also lead to the need for a colostomy on a temporary or permanent basis if the bowel function is compromised.
Responding to a bowel perforation
A bowel perforation during a colonoscopy needs to be recognised at the time it occurs and repaired before any further problems develop.
A patient who is suffering from a perforated bowel is likely to be experiencing intense abdominal pain and nausea.
]If an infection is developing, the patient may be exhibiting symptoms such as fever and rapid heartbeat.
Negligence
Causing a bowel perforation during a colonoscopy may be regarded as negligence. Failing to diagnose and treat a perforation, allowing the patient to become very seriously unwell, would be very likely to be regarded as significantly substandard care.
Speak to a solicitor
If you or a loved one are struggling with the severe long-term impact of a bowel perforation during a colonoscopy, contact us to talk to a specialist medical negligence.
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