Perforation during Endoscopy
An endoscopy is a fairly common procedure but, unless undertaken by an experienced specialist professional, can lead to life-threatening complications.
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Endoscopy uses
An endoscopy can be a highly useful tool both in terms of diagnosing internal problems as well as the collection of tissue samples and the performance of some surgical procedures.
It involves the insertion of a flexible tube carrying a small camera into the body, allowing the surgeon to view the interior of the body.
An endoscopy may be used to assess the upper part of the gastrointestinal tract, namely the oesophagus, stomach, small intestine and gallbladder. This is called a gastroscopy. Alternatively, it may be used in the lower digestive tract to investigate problems of the bowel. This is known as a colonoscopy and may be used in relation to conditions such as ulcers and cancer.
Risks of an endoscopy
Although usually a very successful procedure, an endoscopy does carry the risk of damaging the tissue through which it passes. If such damage causes a perforation or tear, the results can threaten the life of the patient.
Gastroscopy perforation
An endoscopy in the hands of a skilled practitioner is usually a safe procedure and perforation of the lining of the upper digestive tract is rare. However, it does occur on occasion and can cause significant problems.
A tear in the digestive tract can allow food matter and bacteria to escape from its normal passage through the body into areas of the body where it should not be found. This in its turn can cause infection and lead to sepsis which is a life-threatening condition, causing multiple organ failure.
Colonoscopy perforation
A perforation of the bowel can likewise be very serious indeed. The free movement of faecal matter and bacteria into the abdominal space can lead to peritonitis, an infection of the lining of the abdomen, and, again, a high risk of the patient developing sepsis.
Responding to perforation
An endoscopy is a complicated procedure requiring a high degree of skill and a perforation is not necessarily a negligent act.
A failure to recognise that a perforation has occurred, however, and a delay in providing effective treatment can prove fatal to the patient and may well be regarded as negligent.
Evidence would suggest that delays in responding to perforation of the digestive tract will increase the chances of patient mortality. Unfortunately, delays in identifying that a perforation has occurred do happen. The limited field of vision inside the body during an endoscopy may reduce the chances of spotting a tear. Symptoms which the patient may start to experience might be missed by the medical professionals or misdiagnosed as having a different cause.
Spotting symptoms of a perforation
It is important, therefore, that any new symptoms in the patient which might indicate the effects of a perforation are taken extremely seriously.
These might include the following:
- A high temperature
- Pain in the abdomen or upper digestive tract
- Tenderness and swelling in the area of the endoscopy
- Vomiting
It is to be hoped that these symptoms represent a less sinister problem but the possibility of a perforation of the digestive tract should be considered and investigated.
Groups at risk of endoscopy perforation
Certain categories of patient are thought to be at a slightly higher risk of suffering a perforation during an endoscopy and symptoms in those patients should raise the suspicion of a perforation.
These groups include older patients, those who have already had an endoscopy and those suffering with conditions such as diverticulitis.
Medical negligence
If you or a loved one have been severely affected by a perforation during an endoscopy, contact us to discuss your experience with a specialist medical negligence solicitor. It might be appropriate to make a claim for compensation.
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