Complications following appendicectomy lead to multiple surgeries and £100,000 settlement

Thanks to the diligence of Clinical Negligence Solicitor, Sinead Connolly, Fletchers secured a £100,000 settlement, which will provide the client with vital financial support to access specialised treatment and therapies, helping her better manage the ongoing impact of her injuries.

What you’ll find in this case study:

• How a routine laparoscopic surgery caused an avoidable serious bowel injury, leading to internal bleeding and clot formation.
• Details of the impact on the client, including repeated hospitalisations and multiple avoidable surgeries.
• Legal findings, including the cause of the client’s injury.
• How Fletchers helped secure a settlement that now allows the client to get the specialist treatment and long-term support she needs to manage her symptoms.

Background 

Our client attended urgent care in December 2021, with abdominal discomfort; a CT scan took place which confirmed an uncomplicated case of acute appendicitis, leading to a standard laparoscopic appendicectomy. 

Following surgery, the client continued to suffer from pain and was advised there may be a possible bleed. She returned to theatre for exploratory surgery, where it was discovered she had sustained a small bowel injury, likely during the insertion of a laparoscopic port – resulting in blood and clots accumulating in the abdominal cavity.  

The client was discharged from hospital in the new year but continued to deteriorate and was readmitted six days later. A subsequent CT scan confirmed acute cholecystitis – inflammation of the gallbladder, and the client underwent further surgery involving drainage, the cutting of adhesions, and the closure of the ileostomy (stoma). 

Unfortunately, our client deteriorated again and was admitted back to hospital in May of that year, where a CT scan confirmed that the client was suffering from a small bowel obstruction likely due to adhesions. She underwent further surgery for small bowel resection before being discharged in early June.   

The case 

The case was handled by Clinical Negligence Solicitor, Sinead Connolly.  

It was found that the client sustained an injury to the mid small bowel that, on the balance of probabilities, was caused at the time of insertion of a laparoscopic port and as a result required multiple further laparotomies, a temporary stoma, a prolonged stay in hospital and avoidable pain and suffering.  

The impact 

The surgical negligence had a significant impact on our client. She experienced:  

• several hospital readmissions, numerous avoidable surgeries, and a pressure sore

• a temporary stoma

• ongoing bowel problems, including daily episodes of faecal seepage and soilage, requiring daily use of perineal pads

Throughout the ordeal, the client heavily relied on a care and support from friends and loved ones. 

Successful outcome 

Thanks to the diligence and expertise of our clinical negligence team, the client was awarded a settlement of £100,000. This compensation is crucial for ensuring the client can access specialist further treatment and therapies to help effectively manage her ongoing and debilitating symptoms.

Speak to us about your surgical negligence claim.