Perforated Bowel Caused by Hysterectomy
A hysterectomy to remove the womb is a fairly common surgical procedure but is, nonetheless, a significant abdominal operation and carries a number of associated risks.
Bowel damage
A complication which can lead to dramatic, long-term symptoms and is potentially fatal, is when the bowel, due to its proximity to the womb, is accidentally damaged during the operation, creating a hole in the bowel lining.
There may be an increased likelihood of this happening when a hysterectomy is carried out by laparoscopic surgery rather than open surgery due to the restriction in the surgeon's field of vision.
The likelihood of injury occurring is influenced by the expertise and level of experience of the surgeon, the degree of care used and the application of anatomical knowledge.
If an injury occurs, it should be observed and repaired at the time of the surgery in order to reduce the chances of any on-going problems.
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Possible effects of bowel perforation
A failure to diagnose and respond to a perforated bowel at the time it occurs can cause the following problems:
- Leakage of waste matter from the bowel into the abdominal cavity causing peritonitis
- The development of sepsis as the body tries to overcome peritonitis
- An extended period of care in an intensive care unit
- Death due to multiple organ failure as a result of sepsis
- Problems with bowel control requiring a colostomy either temporarily or permanently
- Additional surgery to repair the injury with all the associated risks of surgery
Limiting the effects
A woman who has undergone a hysterectomy where she has experienced complications, especially a perforated bowel, is likely to require close monitoring after her operation.
Even when the bowel has been repaired in a timely manner, there remains the possibility of infection developing in the following days.
Signs that the woman may have a perforated bowel and is developing a post-operative infection are likely to include the following:
- Severe abdominal pain
- A fast heartbeat
- A high temperature
Any adverse signs require prompt attention as sepsis is a medical emergency and, undiagnosed, can be fatal.
Medical Negligence
An injury to the bowel during a hysterectomy is not necessarily an act of negligence, but a failure to notice such an injury and respond to it at the time may well be regarded as such.
If you or a loved one have suffered the long-term effects of such negligence, you may wish to consider making a claim for compensation.
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