Cholecystectomy Negligence
A cholecystectomy to remove a troublesome gallbladder is a common operation but one that can often lead to significant compensation claims when it is negligently handled.
What is a cholecystectomy?
When gallstones develop in the gallbladder, they may not cause any problems. Sometimes, however, if a gallstone blocks the cystic duct or bile duct leading from the gallbladder to the intestine, it can cause intense abdominal pain.
If this is an on-going problem for the patient, it may be considered necessary for the gallbladder to be removed. This operation is called a cholecystectomy and is often undertaken through keyhole surgery.
Why is a cholecystectomy a complex procedure?
Identifying key structures within the abdominal cavity, especially during laparoscopic or keyhole surgery, can be difficult. Numerous organs, ducts, veins and arteries abound within this vital area of the body and a surgeon needs to be confident that he has correctly recognised all the features presented to him.
Accidental damage to internal structures (e.g bile duct, intestines) during surgery to the gallbladder is a known risk and is not necessarily a sign of negligence.
Mis-identification of abdominal features leading to an inappropriate procedure or failure to recognise when an injury has occurred, however, may be regarded as negligent.
What can go wrong?
It is important that the field of vision within the abdomen is as clear as possible during abdominal surgery in order to avoid misinterpreting or damaging the structures surrounding the gallbladder.
Accidental or negligent damage to surrounding anatomical structures may be caused by incision or clipping of an inappropriate structure. This, in turn, can lead to a range of complications such as:
- Obstruction of the bile duct
- A bile duct injury
- Injuries to the digestive tract
- Bleeding
As a result of these injuries, the patient is likely to suffer considerable pain and risks developing peritonitis should bile leak into the abdominal space. Alternatively, the patient may develop jaundice if the bile duct becomes obstructed, thereby preventing the draining of bile into the digestive system.
Responding to accidents
If a surgeon causes inappropriate damage to the patient during surgery, it should be identified and repaired at the time. Such an action would ensure the least possible impact to the patient.
If the injury is not dealt with at the time of the original surgery, the patient may, in addition to the complications identified above, require additional surgery to repair the damage.
A patient who experiences severe pain following gallbladder surgery and may also have a high temperature or be vomiting merits prompt investigation to identify and treat the cause.
Medical Negligence
If you have suffered from the long-term impact of a mishandled cholecystectomy, you may wish to consider making a claim for compensation.
Contact Glynns Solicitors, specialists in medical negligence, to discuss your situation with an experienced solicitor.
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