Unidentified Bowel Perforation Leaves Patient with Permanent Symptoms
Concerned about his bladder function, Richard attended his GP who carried out a PSA test of his prostate. This revealed a reading of 5.85, a raised reading which required a response. Richard initially chose to adopt a monitoring approach but later that year underwent a biopsy for further assessment.
This revealed a low volume of cancer such that it was felt that Richard would be suitable for all response options including surveillance as well as surgery.
A surveillance approach was agreed and Richard's PSA readings reduced until a slight increase prompted further assessment.
Richard felt that he was being encouraged towards the surgical route and underwent robotic keyhole surgery which was described at the time as 'uncomplicated'.
Unfortunately, an unidentified accidental perforation of Richard's bowel had occurred during the procedure and, the day after his operation, Richard was experiencing severe pain and vomiting with an increased temperature. His condition deteriorated during the day and his sepsis NEWS score increased. Following a CT scan and further deterioration, another surgical procedure revealed that Richard had suffered a perforation of the bowel during the initial robotic procedure.
His condition had deteriorated in the intervening time and Richard remained in intensive care for about a month, during which time he was extremely unwell, suffering from peritonitis, sepsis and a hernia which required repair.
When Richard asked Glynns to investigate the quality of his medical care, our experts agreed there were a number of areas of concern:
- It should have been made clear to Richard that his cancer risk was low/intermediate regardless of whether he opted for further surveillance or surgery
- The alternative options for treatment were not made sufficiently clear to Richard who feels that, had he been better informed, he would not have chosen the surgical route.
- Surveillance rather than surgery should have been encouraged
- The bowel perforation should have been visible during the robotic surgery and should have been addressed at that time
- Delayed recognition of the bowel perforation allowed Richard to suffer a range of problems which have left him with debilitating symptoms
As a result of his substandard care, Richard unfortunately continues to struggle with his health. He is in pain, lacks energy and finds it difficult to carry out many normal everyday tasks.
He remains extremely distressed by the shock of what has happened to him and the impact which it has had on both him and his family who have needed to provide considerable support during this difficult period of his life.
Richard was awarded a six-figure sum in recognition of the severity of the symptoms which negligent medical care has caused and the impact which this has had on his quality of life.
(Details which might identify our client have been changed.)
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