Can I Claim Compensation for Acute Pancreatitis?
A patient suffering with acute pancreatitis may make a good recovery or they may die. It is crucial, therefore, that the symptoms of this condition are not ignored and that a thorough assessment of the patient's condition is carried out.
Acute pancreatitis
The pancreas plays an important role in the functioning of the body. Not only is it responsible for the production of insulin which regulates the glucose levels in the body, it also produces enzymes which assist the small intestine in the digestion and absorption of food.
A person can develop pancreatitis for a variety of reasons but it is more likely to occur in those who have gallstones, which can become stuck in the common bile duct, impacting on the functioning of the pancreas.
Symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of acute pancreatitis
When the pancreas becomes inflamed, the patient may experience sudden abdominal pain and start to feel sick. They may also develop a high temperature.
It is important that the patient undergoes a number of tests to identify the cause of their symptoms.
They may need a blood test, a CT scan or an MRI scan to confirm a diagnosis.
It is also important that the underlying cause of the pancreatitis is identified and addressed to try to prevent a deterioration in the patient's condition. If the patient is suffering with gallstones, for example, these may need to be removed to prevent on-going issues.
Severe acute pancreatitis
If diagnosis is delayed and the patient develops severe acute pancreatitis, the outlook may be significantly worse. This life-threatening development of acute pancreatitis is associated with a high mortality rate.
Prompt diagnosis and emergency treatment are, therefore, crucial and patients with acute pancreatitis need to be closely monitored.
If a patient develops severe acute pancreatitis
- They may need to stay in hospital for weeks or months whilst their condition is treated
- Their long-term recovery is likely to take a considerable time
- They may suffer from multiple organ failure if sepsis develops, and risk losing their life
Medical negligence
If medical professionals fail to undertake adequate testing of an individual presenting with the symptoms of acute pancreatitis, they put that patient at risk of a life-threatening illness.
Should the patient develop sepsis, they may suffer significant long-term problems both physically and psychologically.
Compensation
A patient who suffers on-going and debilitating problems due to a delay in diagnosing severe acute pancreatitis may be entitled to make a claim for compensation.
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