Gynaecological surgery compensation claims
Gynaecological surgery often entails dissection near the bladder, rectum, ureters, and vessels of the pelvis.
Many of the potential complications related to gynaecological surgery are common to other surgical procedures. There are some complications which are specific to the procedure itself.
Possible complications include:
Bladder injury
The bladder is at risk of perforation during surgery. The incidence of bladder injury is typically 1-2%. Bladder perforations recognised at the time of surgery are repaired with a low risk of long term problems. Unrecognised bladder injury can result in pelvic discomfort or even an intestinal ilius (where the intestine does not contract as usual) due to irritation as the urine leaks into the abdominal cavity. Long term problems caused by delay in diagnosis of bladder injury can include urge incontinence, the need for a permanent catheter and a decrease in the size of the bladder leading to bladder spasms, incontinence and infection.
Injury to the ureter
This is one of the most serious operative complications of gynaecologic surgery and is associated with high morbidity, ureterovaginal fistulas and the potential loss of kidney function. Less than half of all ureteric injuries are identified at the time of surgery, which means there is a greater risk of kidney function impairment due to urine from the kidney being prevented from draining down into the bladder. Undiagnosed uteric injuries can lead to severe infection and septic shock. Long term complications can include kidney failure and the need for dialysis.
Intestinal damage
Inadvertent bowel injury occurs in approximately 0.3% of vaginal and abdominal hysterectomies and 0.2% in all other abdominal gynaecological procedures. Bowel injuries can be missed at the time of surgery as the bowel content is not always immediately apparent. Early diagnosis of bowel injury is critical as morbidity and mortality are significantly affected by any delay in diagnosis. Complications of delayed diagnosis of bowel injury can include infection, the need for a permanent colostomy and repeated surgery to repair the injured bowel.
How we can help
If a medical professional has failed to exercise due care during a gynaecological procedure and complications result, you may have a claim against them.
Surgery claims
For free, expert advice on making a compensation claim, click here or call us free on 0800 0382 382. We are available to take your call twenty four hours a day, seven days a week.
If you want to provide some details to us in advance, why not let us assess your claim now.
