Bladder Cut During Caesarean Section
If the obstetrician delivered you baby through your bladder during a C-section, you will be entitled to pursue a claim for compensation. Contact a medical negligence solicitor to find out more.
Bladder damage during a C-section
A standard Caesarean section operation involves an incision in the lower part of the uterus, through which the baby is delivered. The bladder lies in front of the uterus and one of the first steps in performing a C-section is to push the bladder downwards to expose the part of the uterus which will be incised.
During the mobilisation of the bladder, it is possible that the bladder will sustain some form of injury. This risk is increased if a patient has previously had a caesarean. The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) estimate that there is a 0.3% risk of bladder injury at elective C-section following one previous caesarean section. This risk is significantly higher with an emergency caesarean.
If a bladder is injured during mobilisation, it cannot be considered negligent. Indeed, it is a recognised risk of Caesarean sections and cannot be prevented. However, the injury must be diagnosed and repaired before the close of the operation. If there is a failure to do so, there may be grounds for a compensation claim.
Bladder cut during a C-section
When performing a C-section, the obstetric surgeon must cut the skin above the bladder. The surgeon must also remember that the anatomy may be somewhat distorted, particularly if a patient is fully dilated.
If the obstetrician does not make their incision high enough, the cut will go through the bladder. If this mistake is not appreciated, the surgeon will proceed to cut into through the bladder and into the uterus. The baby will subsequently be delivered through the bladder.
If the surgeon does not realise that the bladder is still overlying the uterus at the point where the incision is made, there will be a case of medical negligence. Indeed, the failure to differentiate between the bladder and the uterus is below the standard expected of a reasonably competent obstetrician.
Claiming for bladder damage during C-section
If your bladder has been injury during a C-section and this was not recognised by medical practitioners, you may be able to pursue a claim for compensation. The same applies if your baby was delivered through your bladder.
For more information on claiming compensation for a negligent Caesarean section, please get in touch with us today.
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