Negligent Damage During Caesarean Section
Damage to surrounding organs or other abdominal structures during a caesarean section can be life-changing. If you have been left with debilitating and on-going symptoms, it may be appropriate to make a claim for compensation.
By its very nature, a caesarean section, undertaken for the delivery of a baby when a vaginal birth is considered inappropriate, requires the abdomen to be cut. If accidental damage to organs surrounding the uterus also occurs, it should be identified and repaired promptly in order to avoid further complications. If such damage is not diagnosed and a repair is not undertaken, the new mother can become very unwell, suffering both physical and psychological symptoms.
Although rare, both the bladder and the bowel can be damaged during a caesarean section.
Bladder damage during caesarean section
If the bladder is accidentally cut during a caesarean section procedure, the new mother may suffer on-going problems:
- If unidentified and unrepaired at the time of the damage, the woman will have to undergo further surgery to repair the damage
- She may need to be fitted with a catheter to provide urinary function on either a temporary or permanent basis
- She may suffer pain and urinary tract infections
- She is likely to require an extended period of time in hospital which may impact on her relationship with her new baby
Bowel damage
Pasts of the bowel are also found in proximity to the uterus and occasionally can be damaged during a c-section. The effects of such damage, if unrepaired, can be devastating:
- If faecal matter is allowed to travel into the abdominal space due to an accidental cut to the bowel, the new mother can develop a severe infection in the lining of the abdomen, known as peritonitis.
- Peritonitis can also trigger sepsis, a life-threatening immune system response to infection.
- Complicated bowel damage may require the woman to have a colostomy on a temporary or permanent basis.
Long-term effects
In addition to the physical problems encountered, accidental but unrepaired organ damage during a c-section can cause both psychological and financial problems.
The psychological impact can cause problems with the woman's self-confidence, as well as her relationships with her baby and her partner.
It can also cause financial problems if the woman is unable to return to work or if childcare is required to look after her new baby, for example.
Speak to a solicitor
If you are struggling with the long-term impact of damage caused during a C-section, contact Glynns Solicitors to discuss your situation with a specialist medical negligence solicitor.
It may be appropriate to make a claim for compensation.
Please call us on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
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