Patient receives compensation for unnecessary haemorrhoidectomy surgery

09/08/2011

This case study demonstrates the expertise of our Clinical Negligence team who recently acted for a patient who underwent haemorrhoidectomy surgery in 2008. Following surgery she went into urinary retention and has since suffered such extreme constipation that she will require laxatives for life and possibly a colostomy in the future.

The patient had some mild problems with haemorrhoids (commonly known as piles) in the past.  

Her GP referred her to the Will Adams Treatment Centre, Medway and the colorectal surgeon advised her that she should undergo haemorrhoidectomy surgery.

Haemorrhoids are enlarged and swollen blood vessels in or around the lower rectum and anus. They may be present for many years but will often need treating only if they cause problems such as pain, itching or bleeding. Haemorrhoidectomy is an operation to remove piles.

Following the operation, the patient was discharged home. The next day, she developed urinary incontinence. She contacted the Treatment Centre for help and was advised that the Centre did not provide follow up care.  

She attended Accident and Emergency at Medway Maritime Hospital and was catheterised. She was later admitted to Medway Maritime Hospital for three days with rectal bleeding.

Since that time, she suffered severe constipation and was treated by the colorectal surgeons at St Marks Hospital, London.  

She would require laxatives for life and possibly a colostomy in the future. All aspects of her life were affected including work and her marriage.  

Expert evidence obtained confirmed that no proper examination carried out prior to the surgery. The claimant's entire medical history, including her pelvic floor problems, should have been taken into account, and it would have been appropriate to proceed with the surgery and she would have avoided her problems with constipation.

We negotiated settlement of the claim in the sum of £50,000.

Read more about our experience in cases involving gynaecology.

Jennifer Waight specialises in clinical negligence cases. If you would like to ask Jennifer a question about a potential case involving colorectal surgery or you have a general query about medical negligence, contact her on 01892 701374 in confidence.

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.