Claiming Compensation for Perforated Bowel due to Diverticulitis
Failure to diagnose diverticulitis can allow time for the vulnerable lining of the bowel to burst and a severe bacterial infection to develop.
A perforated or ruptured bowel can very quickly become life-threatening. The leaking of bacterial matter from the bowel into the abdominal cavity can trigger an infection in the lining of the abdomen, the peritoneum.
A bowel perforation or subsequent peritonitis necessitates prompt diagnosis and treatment with intravenous antibiotics to try to prevent the development of sepsis and the possible death of the patient.
If a patient visits their GP or Accident and Emergency facility with the symptoms of diverticulitis, a thorough investigation of possible causes is needed.
Symptoms of diverticulitis
Diverticulitis is a development of diverticular disease, a condition inside the bowel where small pouches in the lining of the digestive system become inflamed.
Symptoms which might suggest that you are developing diverticulitis include a sense of being bloated, pain in the abdomen and constipation or diarrhoea.
It is possible that a patient with these symptoms may be suffering from a variety of digestive disorders such as inflammatory bowel disease or crohn's disease or irritable bowel syndrome.
What if the bowel perforates?
If the lining of the bowel bursts or perforates, the patient is likely to feel seriously ill very quickly and experience symptoms such as the following:
- A high temperature
- Vomiting
- Intense abdominal pain
If medical professionals deal with the situation rapidly and appropriately, the patient may make a good recovery.
If diagnosis is delayed, the patient may suffer significant long-term problems such as extensive surgery and the need for a colostomy to facilitate bowel function.
If the patient develops sepsis as a result of their bowel perforation, they may suffer the shocking impact of organ failure. Even if they recover they may find that they continue to suffer long-term problems impacting on their ability to function independently and continue to earn an income.
Speak to a solicitor
If you or a loved one are suffering long-term problems due to a failure to diagnose diverticulitis in time to prevent a bowel perforation, you may wish to speak to a solicitor.
Contact Glynns Solicitors to talk to a specialist medical negligence solicitor.
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