Sepsis after Gallbladder Surgery
Most cases of sepsis probably develop outside of hospital but some categories of in-patient are particularly vulnerable and require close monitoring whilst in hospital to try to prevent the development of this life-threatening condition.
What is sepsis?
Sepsis is an overwhelming response by the body's immune system to a pre-existing infection. It can develop rapidly and, without prompt and appropriate action, can cause multiple organ failure and death.
It is commonly associated with infections of the lungs, urinary tract and abdomen but can be a response to an infection elsewhere in the body.
Vulnerable in-patients
Whilst anyone of any age can develop sepsis - and there have been recent cases of even young children dying from it - some groups are known to be more vulnerable to the condition than others.
Anyone with a weakened immune system is susceptible to the condition and patients already undergoing treatment such as chemotherapy are likely to come into this category. As stated in the guidelines from NHS England, 'Patients, relatives and staff should have a high index of suspicion of sepsis for patients in this group.'
Elderly people, pregnant women and children are also known to be especially vulnerable. Medical professionals should be on high alert to the possible development of sepsis in these groups and monitor for key symptoms such as breathlessness, fast heartbeat and chills.
Abdominal surgery
Whilst generally considered a fairly safe form of surgery, the surgical removal of the gallbladder can be a trigger for the development of sepsis. The gallbladder is one of the organs inside the abdomen and one of the risks of gallbladder surgery is the development of an infection.
As mentioned earlier, sepsis frequently develops in response to an abdominal infection such as peritonitis. Patients undergoing abdominal surgery of any form should, therefore, be monitored carefully for signs of infection and treated promptly.
Patients who additionally come into one of the categories of being vulnerable to sepsis should be of particular concern and attention.
Sepsis as a medical emergency
Because of the speed with which it can develop and its lethal potential, sepsis is regarded as a medical emergency.
It is imperative that patients with sepsis are identified as quickly as possible and given intravenous antibiotics to try to resolve the infection.
Recent new guidelines have recommended that it is enough to identify a change in the patient's blood pressure, breathing rate or mental state in order to be able to spot that a patient might be developing sepsis rather than a less threatening condition.
Medical Negligence
As identified by NHS England in their action plan, 'Improving Outcomes for patients with Sepsis', 'evidence suggests that some cases of sepsis are preventable, particularly in groups of people who are at the greatest risk.'
With the new guidelines for quick identification of patients with a severe infection, it is to be hoped that the numbers of people dying unnecessarily from sepsis will fall.
Failings in diagnosis continue, however, and if you or a loved one have suffered from the trauma of sepsis, you may wish to consider pursuing a claim for compensation.
Contact Glynns Solicitors to discuss your experience with a specialist medical negligence solicitor.
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