Unnecessary ERCP Causes Sepsis and On-going Problems
Undergoing an unnecessary surgical procedure caused Marjorie an array of life-threatening and debilitating problems.
Although Marjorie was experiencing abdominal pain, an ultrasound showed normal kidneys. There were incidental gallstones in the gallbladder but there was no sign of them in her common bile duct.
She subsequently had an MRI scan which also showed no stones in the bile duct.
Nonetheless, the consultant gastroenterologist decided that she should undergo an ERCP in order to investigate a widening of the bile duct.
An ERCP is a surgical procedure which involves the insertion of an endoscope, or lighted tube, via the mouth down the upper part of the digestive tract to the stomach and bile duct. It is a procedure which has some inherent risks and should only be used where a definite problem has already been identified through an alternative, less risky method.
In Marjorie's case, a medical problem had not been previously identified which could have been regarded as sufficient justification for her to undergo an ERCP.
Moreover, the form of ERCP undertaken, a needle-knife papillotomy, carries an even higher risk of perforation of the lining of the digestive tract.
Unfortunately, this is precisely what happened to Marjorie. Following the ERCP procedure, she began to experience upper abdominal pain and it was suspected that she had suffered a perforation of the digestive tract during the ERCP procedure. In fact, her duodenum had been perforated.
This is a highly dangerous situation. The contents of the duodenum and bile began to leak into Marjorie's retro-peritoneum, the abdominal space behind the lining of the abdomen. Fortunately, this development was promptly observed by hospital staff and Marjorie underwent an operation to repair the damage to her duodenum and insert a feeding tube via the abdomen. She was given intravenous antibiotics.
Within a few days, however, Marjorie was becoming confused and feverish with a fast heartbeat. A CT scan revealed both gas and fluid in the abdomen and Marjorie had to undergo yet another surgical procedure to drain the area.
Despite some periods of improvement, Marjorie continued to experience leakage from the duodenum and associated sepsis for many months. As a consequence, she has had to undergo numerous scans and invasive surgical procedures, many requiring a general anaesthetic with all its associated risks, and has had to spend extended periods in hospital. She has been so unwell as a result of her unnecessary ERCP that she has spent a considerable amount of time in a high dependency unit recovering from yet more surgery.
The functioning of Marjorie's kidneys has been affected and she now requires a ureteric stent to assist with the drainage of her right kidney. It is likely that she will continue to require surgical procedures to change the stent on a regular basis.
Marjorie has been devastated by the catalogue of problems which have developed as a result of her unnecessary procedure. Her independence has been severely restricted by the on-going problems and she struggles to undertake more than simple household tasks due to lack of energy.
Marjorie asked Glynns Solicitors to investigate a possible claim for compensation. Our experts found that the shocking medical problems from which she has suffered would not have developed had she not undergone the unnecessary ERCP when the perforation occurred.
Marjorie received more than £250,000 in compensation.
(Details which might identify our client have been changed.)
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