Removal of the gallbladder (also known as cholecystectomy) is considered a relatively safe procedure; however, it is still a procedure which goes wrong from time to time.
Occasionally the bile duct or the hepatic duct can be cut during surgery, but not identified or repaired. Where this occurs patients can suffer serious complications.
What happens if a bile duct or hepatic duct injury is not detected during surgery?
If an injury goes untreated, bile can leak into the abdominal cavity, leading to infection of the abdominal lining known as the peritoneum. This inflammation is referred to as peritonitis.
Peritonitis can cause severe illness and is often accompanied by symptoms such as intense abdominal pain, nausea, fever, and reduced urine output. Immediate treatment is crucial to prevent rapid infection spread. The infection can enter the bloodstream and affect vital organs, leading to septic shock, which can be fatal if not treated.
In addition to peritonitis, a bile duct injury can impair the intestine’s ability to digest food due to inadequate bile flow. This can result in food buildup, waste accumulation, and fecal blockage in the small intestine, which is also a serious concern.
Making a Claim
Early recognition of a bile duct or hepatic duct injury is key as immediate surgical repair is required. If a surgeon recognises the injury and a competent repair is achieved there and then, there will be no basis for a clinical negligence claim, because the injury is a recognised risk of surgery.
If the injury is not identified and repaired, then you may be able to make a medical negligence claim.
Contact us Today
At Ison Harrison, we have a great deal of experience working with clients to help them understand why an injury occurred and pursuing financial compensation.
We understand that when something goes wrong during what should have been a routine procedure it can have a devastating effect on your health and your life.
For more information, please call us on 0113 284 5745 or email us at clinneg@isonharrison.co.uk . A member of our team will listen to your story and deal with your enquiry in a sensitive manner.
