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Bowel Perforated During Colonoscopy

James was enjoying a busy and active life until an ill-performed colonoscopy turned his world upside-down.

Despite being diagnosed with Crohn's Disease as a teenager, James led a very active and fulfilling life. A partial bowel removal and successful medication regime meant that he could manage his illness, work and pursue a range of sporting hobbies.

Over the following years, James periodically underwent internal examinations of his bowel in order to monitor his condition. During these examinations, it was regularly identified that he was experiencing the inflammation of the colon and rectum typical of Crohn's Disease and developing associated strictures (narrowing) and pseudopolyps in the rectum, restricting further investigation.

Nonetheless, James continued to live a normal life, moving into his own home, driving to visit his girlfriend and socialising with his friends. He felt that his illness was well controlled with his medication and regular infusion (intravenous drip) of Infliximab.

Consequently, when a new consultant suggested that James should undergo a colonoscopy to enable a review of his Infliximab medication, James was surprised. From his point of view, his treatment regime was clearly working very well.

Trusting the consultant, James agreed to the proposal and was consented for the procedure by an IBD Nurse Specialist who mentioned possible effects of discomfort and abdominal distension or swelling.

During the procedure, however, James became aware of greater pain and discomfort than with previous examinations. He realised that something was not right and asked for the procedure to be stopped. He was reassured and the surgeon continued with the procedure. However, when James repeated his request, the procedure was abandoned.

Shortly after arriving in the recovery unit, James became aware that he was having difficulty breathing and that his neck was swelling. In fact, his bowel had been ruptured during the colonoscopy procedure, causing James to experience a collapsed lung. A chest drain was inserted and James underwent two CT scans.

Consequently, James was returned to theatre later that day for emergency surgery to remove the damaged section of his bowel. Unfortunately, it was necessary for him also to undergo a colostomy and have a stoma fitted which he is likely to need for the rest of his life.

This was a very distressing outcome for James who had not received any warning prior to the colonoscopy that a perforation of his bowel might occur during the procedure.

James's quality of life has been severely impacted by his experience. He is acutely aware of the stoma and can no longer enjoy the sports and social activities that had previously been an important part of his life.

James remains on the same medication as he was receiving prior to the colonoscopy and cannot understand why it was considered necessary for him to have the procedure at all. He also feels that no account was taken of the results of his previous examinations which had more than made clear the difficulties involved in carrying out a colonoscopy.

Glynns supported James in his claim for compensation for the injuries done to him and he was awarded in excess of £40,000.

(Details which might identify our client have been changed.)

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