Surgical Needle Left in Patient Allegedly Led to Bowel Puncture
September 22, 2017
It may be hard to believe that a surgeon could forget medical objects inside of a patient’s body, especially with nurses and anesthesiologists looking on. However, it’s a mistake that occurs more frequently than anyone would ever imagine.
In August 2012, an elderly woman underwent vaginal-prolapse surgery. During the procedure, a surgical needle was mistakenly left inside her body, although it was not discovered until 2 ½ years later.
In a medical malpractice lawsuit, the patient claimed that the needle caused generalized bowel symptoms. The complaint alleged that by 2014 symptoms progressed, leading to severe abdominal pain, nausea, difficulty eating, and weight loss. An imaging study in January 2015 identified the needle, as well as a bowel perforation and diverticulitis. She was treated with antibiotics, and the bowel perforation eventually repaired itself. However, the patient continues to take medication to alleviate her bowel cramping issues.
Experts for the surgeon argued that the needle was free-floating and could not have caused the bowel perforation. It was also argued that the nurses were at fault for improper needle count. However, the jury found the hospital 100 percent liable.
If your surgeon forgot to remove a needle, sponge, or medical tool in your body after surgery, you may be entitled to compensation. To learn about your legal options, contact an experienced medical malpractice attorney. Although monetary compensation can help with damages incurred, waiting until a settlement is reached can be financially devastating for a plaintiff. With limited or no cash flow, plaintiffs usually will have a hard time remaining financially stable; even daily household expenses become a challenge. In times like this, litigation funding can be helpful.
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