Claiming Compensation for Severe Surgical Site Infection
A poorly-managed post-operative infection can devastate a patient's life. Where their on-going symptoms are considered to be the product of medical negligence, it may be appropriate to make a claim for compensation.
The risks of surgery
Undergoing surgery, whether open or keyhole, puts the patient at risk of developing an infection. Where appropriate treatment is given and the patient makes a good and prompt recovery, a claim for compensation would probably not be appropriate. Where inadequate precautions have been taken or the infection is not diagnosed, however, the patient may be left with on-going difficulties and compensation may prove to be helpful.
Surgery and post-operative infection
Developing an infection can be more problematic in some areas of the body such as the following:
- Hip and knee replacements. An infection in the hip or knee joint following replacement surgery can be very difficult to resolve. The replacement joint may need to be removed and the location of the infection washed out in an attempt to remove infection. The patient may be left disabled as a result, either temporarily or permanently. The patient is also at risk of developing sepsis, which can be life-threatening, especially in those patients who already have a weakened immune system.
- Abdominal surgery and peritonitis. Surgery related to or in the region of the abdomen and the digestive tract can risk a perforation of the bowel. This in turn can lead to leakage of bacterial matter into the abdominal cavity and the development of life-threatening peritonitis. For example, a bowel perforation during surgery for cancer or during a procedure such as a colonoscopy.
- Necrotising fasciitis. This virulent and life-threatening deep, soft-tissue infection frequently develops when bacteria enter the body through an incision to the skin such as a surgical wound. Surgery to the abdomen or limbs such as a hysterectomy or gallbladder surgery, is particularly susceptible to the development of necrotising fasciitis.
In particularly susceptible patients such as those with diabetes or who are overweight, medical professionals should be alert to the possibility of this horrific infection. Its swift-moving nature can cause widespread destruction to the patient's tissue and organs, threatening their life within days.
The April 2019 NICE Guidelines on the prevention and treatment of surgical site infections make clear the need for through assessment of the patient and the nature of their surgery prior to the operation. If medical professionals fail to administer prophylactic antibiotics where they would generally be considered to be necessary, they may be regarded as negligent. If the patient subsequently develops a life-changing infection, a compensation claim might be an appropriate way forward.
Equally, where signs of infection such as a high temperature, chills and redness around the wound, remain undiagnosed following surgery, the patient may suffer significant problems in the long-term and wish to seek compensation as a result.
Speak to a solicitor
If you or a loved one are suffering long-term disability due to a significant failure to prevent or manage a surgical site infection, contact Glynns to talk to a specialist medical negligence solicitor.
It may be appropriate to make a claim for compensation for your pain, suffering and financial losses.
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