Cian O’Carroll Solicitors recently secured a substantial settlement of damages through mediation for a client following serious and preventable complications after hysterectomy surgery at a private hospital in Ireland.
The Original Procedure
Our client underwent a robotic assisted hysterectomy to treat persistent menorrhagia, or heavy menstrual bleeding. The operation was intended to resolve a long standing but non-life-threatening condition and allow her to move forward with her life.
During the procedure, a perforation injury was caused to her bowel.
That injury was not identified at the time.
The Days After Surgery
In the days following her operation, our client began to experience increasing abdominal pain, swelling and clear signs of infection. These were not subtle symptoms. They were classic warning signs that something was very wrong.
Despite this, appropriate specialist input was not sought in a timely way.
Her condition deteriorated.
She developed severe intra-abdominal sepsis, a life-threatening infection that spreads rapidly and can cause widespread organ damage.
By the time emergency surgery was carried out, the bowel injury was confirmed, and infection had spread extensively within her abdomen.
Emergency Surgery and Intensive Care
The consequences for our client were and remain profound.
She required the formation of a temporary ileostomy, meaning her bowel was diverted to an opening or ‘stoma’ on her abdomen. She spent a prolonged period in intensive care and faced a long and difficult recovery.
Over the years that followed, she underwent multiple additional procedures, including further bowel surgery and repair of a significant abdominal hernia. Each operation brought further pain, risk and disruption to her life.
What began as elective surgery for heavy bleeding became a prolonged medical ordeal.
What the Independent Experts Said
Independent expert evidence obtained on her behalf was clear.
The care provided fell below an acceptable standard.
The experts concluded that if the bowel injury had been recognised and treated promptly, much of the harm she ultimately suffered would likely have been avoided. Earlier intervention would probably have prevented the development of severe sepsis and reduced the need for multiple further surgeries.
This was not an unavoidable complication. It was a failure to recognise and respond to a known surgical risk.
Why This Case Matters
While bowel injury is a recognised risk of pelvic surgery, the medical profession is clear that care is negligent when warning signs of that injury are missed even if the injury itself was non-negligent.
The key issue in cases like this is not simply that a complication occurred. It is whether it was properly identified and managed. Post operative care is just as important as the surgery itself. Prompt recognition of deterioration and early specialist involvement can mean the difference between a manageable setback and catastrophic infection.
Our client’s case concluded successfully at mediation before trial. The settlement itself was a vindication for our client and will assist her in addressing the long term consequences of her injuries.