This case of LA v. The Hermitage Clinic & Yahya Kamal involved our client attending a private clinic for what was expected to be routine keyhole surgery. During the procedure, she suffered a perforation to her colon, leading to a cascade of severe and life-threatening complications.
It was alleged that her post-operative symptoms were not investigated in a timely manner and that there was a failure to diagnose the perforation promptly. As a result, her condition deteriorated, and she developed an infected wound, acute peritonitis, sepsis, and a pleural effusion. She required transfer to another hospital for emergency surgery and spent several weeks in intensive care.
The woman endured further hospital admissions in the months following her discharge due to ongoing pain and wound infection. It was claimed that, had the perforation not occurred, she would have been discharged within 24 hours of the procedure without complication.
Liability was admitted, and the case was resolved before the High Court with a confidential settlement of a large six-figure sum. In addition, both the consultant and the clinic issued a formal apology, acknowledging the serious complications and difficulties the woman endured.
This case demonstrates how even routine surgical procedures can result in devastating consequences when complications are not recognised and managed swiftly.