Claiming Compensation for Bowel Injury during Gallbladder Operation
Although gallbladder operations are commonplace, they are, nonetheless, vulnerable to a number of risks. If the patient suffers negligent damage as a result, it may be appropriate to make a claim for compensation.
Why is gallbladder surgery open to risk?
- The gallbladder is housed in the abdomen and shares this space with a number of other important structures such as the liver and the intestines. The proximity of other organs increases the need for extreme care during a cholecystectomy to ensure that surrounding structures are not inadvertently damaged
- The anatomy of the bile duct and gallbladder can vary considerably from one person to another, increasing the likelihood of error in identifying these structures during surgery and thereby increasing the chance of accidental damage
- Increasingly, gallbladder surgery is undertaken via laparoscopy (keyhole surgery) further limiting the surgeon's field of vision during the procedure and increasing the chance of accidental damage
The impact of bowel injury during cholecystectomy
The gallbladder is nestled between the liver and the intestine. If the intestine is accidentally nicked or injured during a cholecystectomy, it could inadvertently cause a perforation of the bowel, opening up a hole between the bowel and the abdomen.
This may cause significant problems for the patient if bacterial matter leaks from the bowel into the abdomen and triggers an infection in the peritoneum, or lining of the abdomen. This is called peritonitis and its impact can be both severe and debilitating.
- If a patient develops peritonitis due to a bowel injury, the perforated bowel will need to be repaired, requiring additional surgery, unless the injury is noticed and repaired during the course of the original operation. The long-term function of the bowel may be compromised by such an injury.
- Peritonitis is a major cause of sepsis which can become life-threatening if not treated urgently. The patient can rapidly suffer multiple organ failure and death if the perforation or its consequences are not diagnosed. The patient is likely to require long-term treatment in hospital and may suffer significant and permanent health problems if they survive.
Medical negligence
An injury to the bowel during a cholecystectomy (gallbladder removal) may be regarded as negligent. If it is not noticed and treated at the time of the injury, the relevant medical practitioner may be considered to have provided substandard care.
If the patient suffers serious long-term problems as a result, it may be appropriate to make a claim for compensation.
Speak to a solicitor
If you or a loved one are struggling with the long-term consequences of negligent gallbladder surgery, contact Glynns Solicitors to talk to a specialist medical negligence solicitor.
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