Patient suffers complications following reconstruction surgery

This case study demonstrates the expertise of our Clinical Negligence team who recently secured compensation of £18,000 for a patient who underwent breast reconstruction surgery (TRAM flap) following a mastectomy for breast cancer.

The case involved a failure to check the condition of the pedicle vein after it was damaged during surgery to treat a haematoma which had developed following the original operation.  Over the next 4 days the condition of the TRAM flap deteriorated and despite undergoing  several intrusive procedures, this was eventually removed. Due to this traumatic experience,  she was unable to contemplate undergoing remedial surgery immediately. This was eventually performed 12 months later but required a further skin graft which resulted in additional scarring.

Our expert, whilst not critical of the original surgery, identified a failure to check the pedicle vein after it was damaged during the second procedure. Had the damage to the vein been detected at the time, this would have been repaired and the TRAM flap would have survived, thus sparing the patient all the subsequent surgeries and additional scarring.

We have one of the largest and most experienced specialist medical negligence teams in Southern England including London. Our team of highly experienced lawyers has the depth and range of expertise essential in this sensitive and often complex area of law. Our clinical negligence team is very proud to be ranked Number 1 in both the Legal 500 and Chambers and Partners UK.