Claiming Compensation for Gallbladder Surgery Injury
Surgery for gallstones is very common and usually highly-successful. When it goes wrong, however, the consequences can be severe and may justify a claim for compensation.
Complications of a cholecystectomy (gallbladder removal)
Gallbladder surgery is often carried out through what is known as laparoscopic surgery. This is where, instead of a large surgical incision being made in the abdomen, surgery is carried out through small 'keyhole' incisions.
In the case of gallbladder surgery, however, this can occasionally lead to complications if the surgeon's field of view is not sufficient to ensure that no problems arise.
The complexity of the abdominal anatomy and the area around the liver and gallbladder is such that the common bile duct can become damaged during this procedure, risking a bile leak into the abdominal cavity.
An injury to surrounding anatomical structures may occur due to a variety of causes including the following:
- Incorrect identification of anatomy, leading to a cut to the bile duct and the possibility of a bile leak, causing infection in the abdomen
- Accidental cut to a nearby structure such as the bladder or the bowel
- Compression of a structure due to use of surgical clips
- Obstruction of the bile duct
Negligence in gallbladder surgery
An accidental cut to the common bile duct or to the bowel or bladder can lead to rapid and dramatic complications which can become life-threatening if not dealt with promptly and effectively.
Any inadvertent damage needs to be identified at the time of injury and rectified immediately. If necessary another specialist may need to be called to assist with the specific injury.
A compression of or obstruction to the common bile duct can also cause severe problems to develop in the liver.
Claiming compensation
If you have suffered an injury during a gallbladder operation, you may have been the victim of negligence.
If you have continued to suffer significant problems as a result, it may be appropriate to make a claim for compensation.
It is important to get specialist advice if you are considering making a compensation claim. Contact Glynns Solicitors, specialists in medical negligence claims to talk to an experienced solicitor.
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