Lap Cholecystectomy
A lap cholecystectomy is shorthand for a laparoscopic cholecystectomy, which is when the gallbladder is removed via keyhole surgery.
Gallbladder removal
Gallbladder removal is a common procedure with around 60,000 operations performed on the NHS every year. It is usually required when someone has painful gallstones, which are solid masses of cholesterol that have become lodged in the bile duct.
Keyhole surgery (laparoscopic surgery) is the preferred technique for gallbladder removal. It is less invasive and has a shorter recovery period. However, some patients will require open surgery, rather than a laparoscopy.
Open surgery might be required for medical reasons – for example, if a patient has recently had abdominal surgery. Or if complications develop during the laparoscopic procedure, the surgeon may have to switch to open surgery.
Complications of a laparoscopic cholecystectomy
Despite being the preferred mode of gallbladder removal, a laparoscopic cholecystectomy does carry certain risks. A patient should be advised of these before signing the consent form. Amongst others, the possible complications of gallbladder removal include:-
- Infection;
- General anaesthetic risks;
- Internal bleeding;
- Bile leaking into the abdominal cavity;
- Injury to the bile duct;
- Injury to the intestine, bowel or blood vessels;
- Deep vein thrombosis;
- Post-cholecystectomy syndrome (when the symptoms of gallstones persist).
Can I claim compensation for gallbladder surgery?
If you have suffered one of the complications listed above, you might be wondering whether medical error is to blame. The answer is entirely dependent upon the circumstances, but there are times when gallbladder surgery will lead to a successful medical negligence claim. Often these cases arise because:-
- Complications occurred due to poor surgical technique or surgical error; or
- Complications occurred for non-negligent reasons, but these were not noticed by medical professionals in a timely fashion. This is most common with bile duct injuries and bile leakage.
If you or your loved one suffered complications from gallbladder surgery and you believe medical error is to blame, you need to speak to a solicitor without delay. A solicitor who specialises in medical negligence will be able to suggest whether or not there has been an incident of substandard medical care. If so, you will be able to pursue a claim against the hospital responsible for your injuries.
If your claim is successful, you will be awarded compensation for the physical and emotional pain and suffering you have endured, and for the financial damage you have incurred. This can include a loss of earnings (past and future) and the cost of medical treatment. To find out more, contact us today.
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