Complications Arising from Hysterectomies
Surgeries are typically worrisome events, but having a hysterectomy can be an extremely stressful time in a woman’s life. The last thing a woman needs when she’s dealing with this major surgical procedure is to have complications or errors that cause harm or worsening of an issue.
Hysterectomies are the most commonly- performed gynecological procedure. A hysterectomy is the surgical removal of a woman’s uterus. It may also include the removal of other reproductive organs. Women select surgeons and gynecologists to perform hysterectomies with the faith and trust that they will ease their suffering, not add to it. A mistake, error, or negligent event during a hysterectomy can cause lifelong pain, expensive and ongoing medical treatments, and even death.
Like any surgery, hysterectomies come with risks. However, a botched hysterectomy may be a result of medical negligence, and you may have a valid medical malpractice claim if you have suffered injury as a result. You may be entitled to compensation for your damages, including:
- Hospitalization costs
- Corrective surgery
- Compensation for organ damage
- Future medical expenses
- Physical therapy expenses
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning potential or future income
- Pain and suffering
If you or a loved one has been hurt due to a healthcare provider’s negligence in performing a hysterectomy, you may have a medical malpractice claim. If your claim is valid, you may be able to receive the compensation you deserve by hiring an attorney with a focus in medical malpractice law.
Hysterectomy Risks and Complications
The most common complications of hysterectomies are:
- General anesthetic complications
- Bleeding
- Urinary tract damage
- Bladder damage
- Post-operative infection
- Vaginal problems; vaginal vault granulation
- Blood clots
- Bowel or small intestine perforation
- Mechanical obstruction of the intestines
- Ovary failure
- Early menopause
Typical causes of malpractice liability stemming from a hysterectomy are:
- Negligence: contributing to or causing any of the above risks
- Failing to get the patient’s consent before performing a new procedure (except in emergency situations)
- Failure to inform the patient of risks
- Incorrect diagnosis
- Unnecessary or improper procedure
Proving Medical Malpractice After a Hysterectomy
Even if you experience an unexpected outcome from a hysterectomy, it may not be regarded as medical malpractice or negligence. Furthermore, to win a malpractice case against your surgeon, gynecologist, or other healthcare professional involved in the procedure, you will likely have to prove that the healthcare provider did not provide the same quality of care and diligence that a fully competent medical professional would have given in the same circumstances.
Proving this will likely require finding an expert medical witness who has experience in performing hysterectomies to provide evidence and testify to what the proper standard of care was and whether your doctor achieved that standard.
Plus, you will need to prove that not only did your gynecologist’s performance not measure up to the medical standard of care under the circumstances but that you were harmed or injured because of your gynecologist’s decisions and actions while performing the surgery.
If you have been hurt and you think you may have a medical malpractice claim, you would be well-advised to contact an experienced medical malpractice attorney. Set up a consultation to discuss the details of your situation and learn whether or not your case is actionable.