Perforated Bowel in Surgery and When to Claim Compensation
A perforation or rupturing of the lining of the bowel is a risk of surgery to the bowel for a wide range of conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease and cancer. It can also occur during an investigative bowel procedure.
The risk of a perforated bowel
The danger of a perforation to the bowel is that such an occurrence can allow bacterial matter to escape from the inside of the bowel where it is normally contained in appropriate conditions through to the abdominal cavity where it can trigger infection such as peritonitis, an infection of the lining of the abdomen.
This can, in turn, cause sepsis which is an emergency and a life-threatening condition.
Even where the patient survives sepsis, they can struggle with on-going symptoms such as fatigue, muscle weakness, cognitive problems and breathlessness. Such symptoms can be debilitating, affecting their ability to work and remain independent.
Managing a perforated bowel
Ideally, an unplanned perforation of the bowel should not occur during a surgical procedure.
If it does occur, it is essential that this problem is identified as quickly as possible and resolved with as little impact on the patient as possible and with no long-lasting effects.
Where necessary, supportive and additional specialist care should be called upon to ensure that the patient's physical integrity is restored and their health maintained.
Negligence and a perforated bowel
Examples of negligence in relation to a perforated bowel could include the following:
- Causing or allowing a perforation to occur through poor technique, inappropriate materials or inadequate planning
- Failing to request specialist support or advice when necessary
- Failing to identify that a perforation has occurred
- Failing to resolve the issues and damage of a perforated bowel
If negligent medical care causes a patient to suffer long-term consequences, they are legally entitled to make a claim for compensation for the impact such as a loss of earnings or the costs of care, treatment and equipment.
Speak to a legal specialist
Contact a specialist medical negligence solicitor if you think that either you or a loved one are suffering the impact of negligence in relation to a perforated bowel.
Here at Glynns Solicitors, specialists in medical negligence law, we can offer a wealth of expertise and a long-standing history of success in complex, high-value claims.
Contact us today to talk to a solicitor, free of charge, about the possibility of making a claim.
We can offer No Win No Fee medical negligence funding which we will discuss with you during your free initial telephone discussion.
Please call us free on 0800 234 3300 or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
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