Laparoscopic Surgery Malpractice

Errors in laparoscopic surgery illustrate a broader dilemma characteristic of medicine in the 21st Century: how must physicians adapt to the demands of technological advances? Laparoscopic surgery--also known as minimally invasive surgery--promises smaller incisions, faster recovery times, and better access for the surgeon to the organ involved in the procedure. Originally and most commonly applied in gall bladder surgery, the use of laparoscopy has spread to cancer surgery, gastric bypass surgery, and gynecologic and urologic procedures.

Laparoscopic surgery carries risks of its own, however, some of which are related to the difficulty some surgeons experience with the virtual manipulation of cutting tools while watching  a monitor, and some of which seem to be inherent in the procedure itself. If you have been injured by the negligent performance of laparoscopic surgery, or if you did not provide your informed consent to any of its realized risks, contact our office in Bridgeport or Danbury.

At our Bridgeport or Danbury law firm, our AV-rated* trial lawyer has more than 25 years of experience with the investigation and proof of complex injury claims. Medical malpractice cases have long represented an important part of our caseload, and in  recent years, we have represented an increasing number of clients who have suffered serious injuries as a consequence of botched laparoscopy.

Among the risks of laparoscopic surgery are the following dangers:

• Severing the common bile duct with resulting infections or peritonitis

• Perforation of bowels or intestines

• Puncturing the aorta

• Electrical burns and serious infections in the areas surrounding the cut organ

• Sepsis

• Failure to remove all cancerous tissue with the resulting risk of metastasis

One of the attractions of laparoscopic surgery can also represent one of its dangers. Because of its minimally invasive nature, patients are released from the hospital much sooner than they otherwise would be. As a result, there is little opportunity to observe the patient for complications, signs of infection, or toxic reaction in a clinical setting. If any of these do occur, the patient is unable to receive the necessary follow-up treatment as quickly as would be the case if he or she were still in postoperative recovery at the hospital.

In most  cases, conventional surgical techniques remain a viable alternative to the laparoscopic procedure, but many patients are never advised of the  availability of conventional surgery, or of many of the risks of laparoscopy. Our attorneys have substantial experience with the investigation and proof of difficult fact questions concerning the adequacy of the patient's informed consent in laparoscopic surgery malpractice cases. This experience can help overcome serious hurdles to proof of liability in your case as well.

Our experienced medical malpractice attorneys represent clients throughout Connecticut. If mistakes in a laparoscopic procedure have caused you or a loved one serious health problems, or the death of a family member, contact our office in Bridgeport or Danbury.

* AV, BV, and CV are registered certification marks of Reed Elsevier Properties, Inc., used in accordance with the Martindale-Hubbell certification procedures, standards, and policies. Martindale-Hubbell is the facilitator of a peer review rating process. Ratings reflect the confidential opinions of members of the Bar and the judiciary. Martindale-Hubbell Ratings evaluate two categories - legal ability and general ethical standards.