Can I Sue for a Bowel Injury During my Hysterectomy?
If you have received a bowel injury during a hysterectomy operation, it is possible that you have suffered considerable physical difficulties. You may still have on-going problems. If so, it might be appropriate for you to make a claim for compensation.
Bowel damage during a hysterectomy
Hysterectomy surgery occasionally leads to the woman's bowel being damaged, causing an abnormal passage between the bowel and the interior of the abdomen. This can very quickly cause the woman to suffer considerable pain as well as requiring a further surgical procedure to rectify the damage and ensure continued and effective bowel function.
If the damage is not noticed and treated promptly, the woman's situation can become significantly more serious.
Sepsis
A hole between the bowel and the abdomen means that bacteria in the form of faecal matter (or waste) can travel into the abdominal space where it should not be. This can cause a severe infection and threaten the woman's life should sepsis develop.
Sepsis can damage the functioning of a person's life-support organs and necessitate long-term treatment in an intensive care unit. The effects on the patient can be both physically and psychologically devastating.
Bowel damage
Sometimes, in highly unfortunate circumstances, the future functioning of the bowel may be compromised and the woman may require further surgery to try to restore bowel function. This may necessitate the fitting of a colostomy bag on either a temporary or permanent basis.
The impact of this on a woman's self-esteem and capacity to work or look after herself can be dramatic.
Why does this happen?
A woman's womb is dangerously close to two vitally important organs, the bladder and the bowel. If either is damaged, the woman may have to face a future of incontinence.
When surgery is taking place, it is crucial that the surgeon has a very clear field of vision and stays away from the bladder and bowel.
If the hysterectomy is being carried out by keyhole surgery (a laparoscopy), it may be more likely that an accident will occur as the surgeon's view of the inside of the abdomen is more restricted.
Making a compensation claim
It may be appropriate to consider making a claim for compensation if an injury to the bowel during a hysterectomy has caused significant and long-term problems.
Both sepsis and a loss of bowel function can cause highly-distressing and debilitating symptoms and impact negatively on the woman's quality of life.
Speak to a solicitor
Contact Glynns Solicitors to speak to a specialist medical negligence solicitor if you are suffering the impact of a bowel injury. We will be very happy to advise you as to the suitability of pursuing a compensation claim.
Please call us free on 0800 234 3300 or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
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