Compensation for a Negligently Perforated Bowel
If medical negligence has caused long-term problems due to a perforated bowel, it might be appropriate to make a claim for compensation.
What is a perforated bowel?
The bowel is a part of the body which is absolutely crucial to our survival. Sometimes referred to as the gut or the digestive tract, the bowel is where the absorption of our food takes place. As partially-processed food passes through the small intestine, it continues to break down and is absorbed into the bloodstream for its journey to the body's cells. What is not required by the body passes through the large intestine before leaving the body through the anus. The lining of the bowel ensures that its contents remain inside the bowel in order to prevent the leakage of bacterial matter into parts of the body which are not designed to process it.
It is important that the bowel lining is not split or perforated.
Perforation of the bowel means that the lining of the lower digestive tract has torn or split for some reason. This can mean that the contents of the bowel can then leak into the abdomen where the intestines are located.
This can be a life-threatening situation.
Abdominal infection
The abdomen is the lower part of the torso where the liver, intestines, stomach and other organs are located. If faecal or bacterial matter leaks from the bowel into the abdomen, it can become infected.
An infection of the lining of the abdomen, peritonitis, can trigger sepsis and swiftly threaten the life of the patient.
What causes a perforated bowel?
The bowel can perforate either because of an illness or condition of the bowel which puts pressure on the lining causing it to split, or it may be accidentally damaged during the course of a surgical procedure.
Various conditions can weaken or threaten the integrity of the lining of the bowel such as inflammatory disorders e.g. crohn's disease or diverticulitis. A blockage in the bowel, maybe in the appendix, can also cause a build-up of pressure on the lining, causing a rupture.
If a patient is suffering from a condition which can threaten the lining of the bowel, it is important that it is diagnosed and treated before a perforation occurs.
A failure to diagnose appendicitis, for example, may allow pressure to build to the point where the bowel lining splits.
Some surgical procedures also put the bowel at risk of perforation. A colonoscopy, for example, where a tube is inserted into the bowel via the anus can cause damage to the lining of the bowel.
Surgery in the abdomen or to the bowel for a variety of disorders can also lead to an accidental perforation of the bowel lining.
When is a perforated bowel negligent?
If medical professionals fail to diagnose and treat a bowel disorder such as appendicitis or crohn's disease effectively, thereby allowing the patient's bowel to rupture, they may be regarded as having provided a poor standard of care. Should the patient subsequently suffer long-term and debilitating problems as a result of this negligence, it may be appropriate to make a claim for compensation.
Where surgery is concerned, it is desirable that any accidental damage to the bowel is identified at the time it occurs, allowing for a repair to take place or for specialist support to be sought. A failure to do this, allowing the patient's condition to deteriorate, may be regarded as negligent.
Of course, it may also be considered as negligent if a medical professional perforates the bowel due to carelessness or misunderstanding of the patient's anatomy.
Sepsis
Sepsis is a dysfunctional bodily reaction which can occur in response to infection, often an infection of the abdomen or the lungs.
Unless treated promptly, it can lead to multiple organ failure, long-term health problems and, in some circumstances, the death of the patient.
Many patients are fortunate and make a good recovery from sepsis. However, some suffer difficulties which can permanently affect their quality of life and ability to work.
Legal advice
If you or a loved one are struggling with the long-term consequences of a failing in health care which caused your bowel to rupture, it may be appropriate to consider making a claim for compensation.
Contact Glynns Solicitors, specialists in medical negligence compensation claims, to discuss your situation with an experienced, specialist solicitor.
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