Gallbladder Surgery Medical Negligence
Gallbladder surgery is usually carried out, either by open or keyhole surgery, if the patient has developed problems with gallstones. It is intended to ease pain and prevent further complications but occasionally an injury may occur which puts the patient's life at risk.
How does gallbladder surgery work?
Whether the patient has their gallbladder removed by keyhole surgery (laparoscopy) or through open surgery, the cystic duct which connects the gallbladder to the common bile duct is cut, thereby separating the gallbladder from the bile duct. The cystic duct is then sealed to prevent leakage of bile.
Damage to the bile duct/cystic duct
Without extreme care and skill, a number of complications can occur during this procedure such as the following:
- The bile duct may be inadvertently cut. This could be because of an incorrect identification of abdominal structures, carelessness in the use of surgical instruments or because the surgeon's field of vision is limited by laparoscopic surgery
- The cystic duct may not be effectively sealed after the operation allowing bile to leak into the abdominal cavity
- The bile duct may be accidentally burned during the procedure, causing it to malfunction
- The bile duct may be accidentally clipped if the surgeon mistakes the bile duct for the cystic duct, thereby reducing the flow of bile to the small intestine
The effects of bile duct damage
The purpose of the bile duct is to transport bile from the liver to the intestines where it assist in the body's absorption of fats. This process needs to happen and it needs to happen safely. If the bile duct is damaged or pinched or the cystic duct is not effectively sealed, it is possible for one of two outcomes to occur:
- Bile may leak into the abdominal cavity. Not only can this cause the patient to experience unnecessary pain, but it can cause internal infection, peritonitis and, ultimately, life-threatening sepsis.
- If the bile duct is pinched or obstructed rather than cut, it may then reduce its capacity to function effectively. This can cause bile to build up and ultimately cause jaundice, liver cirrhosis, liver disease, liver failure and death.
Diagnosing bile duct injuries
Patients who have suffered an injury to the bile duct may start to suffer symptoms shortly after their operation. They may complain of severe abdominal pain, nausea, a high temperature and weakness.
A bile leakage should be evident during post-operative examinations through surgical drains or wounds.
However, sometimes it may not be apparent for some time that the bile duct has suffered an injury and the longer a repair is left, the less successful that repair may be.
Additional complications of gallbladder surgery
The gallbladder is located in a complex, internal abdominal situation. Its near neighbours are significant organs, vital to the patient's very survival. It is possible, for example, for the small intestine also to be damaged during this procedure.
Management of bile duct injuries
If they occur, bile duct injuries should be observed and repaired at the time to avoid the need to subsequent additional procedures. They may require reconstructive surgery. Bile duct injuries are most common during laparoscopic surgery and so surgeons should be acutely aware of the possibility that it might occur.
The longer a patient has to suffer a delay in diagnosing a bile duct injury and undergoing treatment, the greater the chance that they will suffer severe and long-term complications.
Medical Negligence
If you or a loved one have suffered due to negligence during a cholecystectomy procedure or due to a failure to diagnose a bile duct injury, you may wish to consult a solicitor.
If negligently treated, such injuries can cause long-term disability and you may be entitled to make a claim for compensation.
Contact Glynns Solicitors, specialists in medical negligence, to discuss your situation with an experienced solicitor.
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