Stoma due to Medical Negligence
A significant medical condition can be debilitating and distressing in itself. When medical negligence leads to the additional and unexpected need for a stoma, the level of distress can multiply.
What is a stoma?
A stoma is a hole in the abdomen which has been surgically created in order to allow the contents of the bowel to leave the body by a method other than through the anus. This is likely to be due to the bowel's inability to function properly for whatever reason.
A stoma may be formed to remove waste from the colon in the large intestine or from the ileum in the small intestine. A section of the appropriate part of the bowel is cut and brought through the stoma.
A bag is attached to the stoma to collect the matter leaving the bowel and this is either replaced or emptied on a regular basis.
A stoma may be temporary with the expectation of reversing the procedure at a later date when the bowel is able to function on its own again, or it may be permanent.
Medical Negligence and Stomas
The need to live permanently with a stoma due to medical negligence can be the reason for a compensation claim.
There may be a number of medical failures which might lead to the need for a stoma. These could include the following:
Diagnosis/treatment failure
A failure to diagnose and treat a condition of the bowel such as Diverticulitis, Crohn's Disease or bowel cancer may lead to permanent damage to the bowel and/or perforation of the bowel making it impossible for the bowel to function properly.
Negligent Surgery
Poor quality abdominal or colorectal surgery may cause damage to the bowel, requiring the patient to then be fitted with a stoma.
Birth Injury
Approximately 5% of women giving birth vaginally experience a severe perineal injury. When a severe perineal tear is not observed after childbirth, the damage to the bowel may cause it to cease to function effectively and the woman may require a stoma.
Claiming Compensation
If you have been the victim of substandard medical care, leaving you in the dreadful position of having to cope with a stoma for the rest of your life, you may be able to claim compensation for the damage.
Speak to a solicitor
Glynns Solicitors is a specialist medical negligence practice. Contact us to discuss your experience. We would be happy to advise you as to the best course of action.
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