Sepsis due to Negligent Bowel Perforation
An injury to the bowel during a surgical procedure such as a colonoscopy or the removal of the appendix is a known risk. It is not necessarily regarded as a negligent act on the part of the medical professional.
If the injury is not identified and repaired, however, allowing the patient to develop sepsis, the medical professional may well be regarded as having acted negligently and it may be appropriate to consider making a claim for compensation.
How can a bowel perforation cause sepsis?
Sepsis can occur when the patient's body over-reacts to an infection somewhere in the body. It is not unusual for this to be an abdominal infection.
If the bowel is damaged during a surgical procedure, it can allow bacteria to spread from the bowel into the abdominal cavity and infect the peritoneum, the lining of the abdominal space.
It is then quite possible for the body to develop sepsis in response to the peritoneal infection.
The impact of sepsis
Sepsis, especially where it passes undiagnosed for some time, can have shocking consequences.
In some instances it can be fatal.
Where the patient survives, they may have suffered a variety of unpleasant and potentially debilitating effects such as the following:
- Kidney failure
- The need for a colostomy bag
- Liver damage
- Amputation of a limb
- Blindness
Spotting sepsis
Therefore, if a bowel perforation occurs during a surgical procedure, it is absolutely crucial that the medical professionals in attendance on the patient monitor closely for any signs of sepsis.
This could be a raised temperature, a lower blood pressure, confusion and breathlessness.
It is particularly important to monitor patients who have undergone abdominal surgery due to the possibility that a bowel perforation has occurred and remained undiagnosed.
Medical negligence
Responding to sepsis is a medical emergency. When a patient is suspected of suffering from this devastating illness, their condition can deteriorate rapidly and a prompt medial response may belief-saving.
The administration of intravenous antibiotics is considered necessary within one hour of diagnosis in order to give the patient the best possible chance of a positive outcome.
A failure to recognise, investigate or act on the symptoms of sepsis, leading to a poor outcome may be regarded as substandard care and justify a claim for compensation.
Talk to a specialist
If you or a loved one have suffered the appalling impact of sepsis due to a late diagnosis, contact Glynns Solicitors today to discuss your experience with a medical negligence solicitor. We will be happy to advise you.
Call us free on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
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