Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy / Perforated Colon

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CASE: Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy / Perforated Colon

FACTS: This is a medical negligence wrongful death case in which the decedent was diagnosed with multiple gallstones and underwent a laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Shortly after surgery, the decedent complained of abdominal pain and fever; her blood pressure dropped significantly and there was a decrease in urine output. IV fluids were increased but her condition did not improve, in fact she worsened throughout her first post-operative day.

On the second post-operative day, symptoms continued to worsen to also include abdominal distension, decreased oxygen saturation, cardiac arrhythmia, and respiratory distress; as a result, her family asked to have her transferred to another facility. Following her transfer, she underwent an emergent laparotomy for a perforated transverse colon and an abdomen that was grossly contaminated with stool. Despite this, the decedent developed infection, sepsis, and multi-organ failure leading to her death 29 days later.

The plaintiff alleged that the defendant breached the applicable standards of care during surgery and in failing to promptly respond to signs and symptoms of surgical complications, including a failure to adequately inspect the operative field and recognize, diagnose, and repair the perforated transverse colon.

DEFENSE: General denial. Perforated bowels can occur during a laparoscopic cholecystectomy in the absence of negligence and the defendant made a timely response to the post-operative symptoms.

INJURIES: The decedent suffered enormous physical and emotional pain and suffering as a result of the defendant’s failure to timely diagnose and correct the perforated transverse colon, which caused bowel contents to spill into the abdominal cavity causing infection, sepsis, and death. The decedent also suffered loss of enjoyment of life.

SPECIAL DAMAGES: Medical bills total $193,834.00. Other related expenses, including funeral arrangements, total $9,558.75.

SETTLEMENT: The parties agreed to settle for a confidential amount.

PLAINTIFF’S COUNSEL: Randolph J. Reis, Esquire (Reis Law, PLLC)

NAMES/COUNTY: Anonymous v. Anonymous