Compensation for Negligent Bowel Perforation
A ruptured bowel or perforation of the gastrointestinal tract is a medical emergency. A delay in diagnosis or treatment can threaten the life of the patient.
The gastrointestinal tract is the digestive system through which food passes and in which it is processed. It includes the oesophagus leading from the throat down to the stomach, as well as the stomach itself and the intestines through to the anus. If part of this system is perforated or torn for any reason, it can allow waste matter to pass into the abdomen setting off a life-threatening infection.
The impact of a perforated bowel
The effect of a tear to the lining of the bowel, especially when it remains undiagnosed for a period of time, can be absolutely devastating:
- Infection may develop in the peritoneum which lines the abdomen, requiring antibiotics and possibly surgery to resolve the infection
- Peritonitis can set off a sepsis reaction due to an over-response by the patient's immune system
- Without emergency treatment, sepsis can cause multiple organ failure and death
- If the functioning of the bowel has been compromised, the patient may require a colostomy as either a temporary or permanent measure to replace the bowel activities
- The patient is likely to need an extended stay in intensive care and may well suffer significant on-going problems such as organ dysfunction, blindness, fatigue, joint pain and insomnia.
Causes of a bowel perforation
Surgical procedures
A perforation of the bowel can occur for a number of reasons which may be regarded as negligent.
Various surgical procedures can inadvertently lead to the rupturing of the bowel:
- An endoscopy, often used to examine the upper digestive tract can, for example, result in perforation of the duodenum at the start of the intestines
- A colonoscopy, often used to examine the condition of the large intestine, can damage the lower end of the bowel
- Abdominal surgery such as a hysterectomy, a caesarean section, the removal of the appendix or a gallbladder operation can all result in a bowel perforation
- If an injury is caused to the bowel during the course of surgery, it is important that it is diagnosed straight away and thoroughly and competently repaired in order to avoid the possible outcomes listed above.
It is also possible for a bowel perforation to occur subsequent to surgery if stitches break down unexpectedly.
Abdominal disorders
A bowel perforation can also occur when an internal disorder, such as Crohn's Disease or Diverticulitis is not diagnosed in time. Scar tissue or inflammation can build up to the point where the lining of the bowel tears and bacteria can escape into the abdominal cavity.
A delay in diagnosing appendicitis can allow time for the inflamed appendix to burst, likewise compromising the condition of the abdomen and threatening the life of the patient.
Timely diagnosis
Whether a bowel perforation is the product of a surgical accident or an internal disorder, a timely diagnosis and prompt action are key to the long-term health and survival of the patient.
A patient who has suffered a bowel perforation is likely to be experiencing intense abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhoea and developing a high temperature. Where the patient has recently undergone abdominal surgery or a surgical procedure related to their digestive tract, the likelihood that their bowel has perforated should be considered.
Medical negligence
When a patient undergoing a surgical procedure suffers a bowel perforation which is not effectively treated at the time, the relevant medical professionals may be considered to have provided a substandard level of care.
Likewise, where a patient has attended their medical practitioner with the symptoms of a serious abdominal condition which has remained undiagnosed, triggering a bowel perforation, they may be regarded as the victim of poor care.
If the patient suffers severe, long-term problems as a result of their substandard care, it may be appropriate to make a claim for compensation.
Speak to a solicitor
If you or a loved one are suffering with the on-going impact of a delay in diagnosing a perforated bowel, contact us to talk to a specialist medical negligence solicitor.
We have supported numerous compensation claims for surgical and diagnosis negligence and will be very happy to advise you.
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For a free, no-obligation enquiry, contact us at Glynns Solicitors. We are located between Bath and Bristol, and act for victims of medical error across England and Wales.
Please call us free on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
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