When a Houston resident goes in for surgery, they likely anticipate that the surgeon will give them the utmost care. No one expects to be the victim of a surgical error, but unfortunately they happen to thousands of patients in Houston and across the United States each year. One surgical error that can lead to a lifetime of complications is a perforated bowel.
When a person undergoes surgery in the abdominal region, there is a risk of a perforated bowel. Any surgery from a colonoscopy to a hysterectomy can lead to a bowel perforation. The symptoms of a perforated bowel include abdominal pain, nausea, and fever. If the perforated bowel isn’t treated, it can lead to a serious infection including septic shock, when an infection gets into the bloodstream and can be fatal. Additional surgery to fix the hole may be necessary, along with the patient using a colostomy bag for a period of time.
When Does a Perforated Bowel Cross Into Medical Malpractice?
Not every perforated bowel is the result of negligence; it is a recognized risk of many abdominal procedures, and surgeons disclose this risk as part of informed consent. The question in a potential malpractice case is not whether the perforation happened, but whether it was detected and treated promptly once it occurred. Delays in diagnosing a perforated bowel after surgery, dismissing a patient’s reported symptoms, or failing to order appropriate imaging can allow a treatable complication to progress into a life-threatening infection.
A patient who suffers a perforated bowel during or after surgery may want to speak with a legal professional experienced in medical malpractice. An attorney can review the medical records and evaluate whether the surgical team met the standard of care in detecting and treating the perforation immediately. A medical provider may be liable for negligence, and affected patients may be able to obtain compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other damages associated with the malpractice.
Recovering From a Perforated Bowel Injury
Recovery from a perforated bowel, especially one that leads to sepsis or requires a second surgery, can involve an extended hospital stay, additional procedures, and a lengthy return to normal function. These costs, along with lost income and ongoing pain and suffering, are the kinds of damages that a malpractice claim is designed to address when negligence contributed to the injury.
A surgical error like an undetected perforated bowel can be very serious. Those who have suffered such injuries have rights, and our team can help you understand them. Contact Davis & Davis for a free consultation.
Source: www.nlm.nih.gov, “Gastrointestinal perforation,” accessed Feb. 20, 2016
Frequently Asked Questions About Perforated Bowel Claims
Is every perforated bowel during surgery considered malpractice?
No. A perforated bowel is a recognized risk of many abdominal surgeries. Malpractice claims generally focus on whether the perforation was promptly detected and treated once it occurred, not on the fact that it happened.
What symptoms suggest a perforated bowel after surgery?
Abdominal pain, nausea, and fever are common symptoms. These symptoms following an abdominal procedure warrant prompt evaluation to rule out a perforation.
What happens if a perforated bowel goes untreated?
An untreated perforation can lead to a serious infection, including septic shock, which occurs when infection enters the bloodstream and can become life-threatening.
Will I need another surgery if my bowel is perforated?
Additional surgery to repair the perforation is often necessary, and some patients require a temporary colostomy bag while the area heals.
What should I do if I suspect my symptoms after surgery were dismissed?
Request your complete medical records and speak with a medical malpractice attorney, who can help evaluate whether your symptoms were addressed within the appropriate standard of care.
