Gallbladder removal surgery, also known as cholecystectomy, is a common procedure typically performed to treat gallstones and gallbladder inflammation. While most patients recover without major issues, complications can and do occur. When these complications result from medical errors or negligence, a patient may have grounds for a personal injury or medical malpractice claim.
Ultimately, patients have a right to expect competent, attentive care before, during and after gallbladder surgery. If a complication arises due to a doctor’s failure to follow proper surgical procedures, a misdiagnosis or inadequate post-operative care, those who have been harmed may be in a strong position to seek justice.
What can – and too often, does – go wrong
The most frequently reported complication associated with gallbladder surgery involves injury to the bile ducts. During laparoscopic gallbladder surgery, which is less invasive than open surgery, the surgeon must carefully identify and avoid damaging the bile ducts that carry bile from the liver to the small intestine. If these ducts are cut, burned or clipped by mistake, it can lead to bile leaks, infection, and serious digestive issues. Some patients require additional corrective surgeries and long-term medical care as a result.
Another potential complication is internal bleeding. While some minor bleeding is expected during surgery, excessive bleeding caused by a surgical mistake or failure to properly control blood vessels can be life-threatening. If this issue is not detected and treated immediately, it may lead to hypovolemic shock, requiring emergency intervention.
Infection is also a significant risk. As is the case with virtually any surgery, gallbladder removal involves incisions and the use of surgical tools inside the body. If proper sterilization protocols are not followed or if a patient’s post-operative care is poorly managed, infection can develop at the incision site or internally. Sepsis, a widespread infection in the bloodstream, is a rare but serious complication that can occur when the infection is not treated promptly.
Damage to nearby organs, such as the intestines, liver or stomach, is another concern. These injuries often result from poor visibility, rushed procedures or errors in technique. Because laparoscopic surgery is performed through small incisions with the aid of a camera, poor lighting or an unclear view can lead to mistakes. Organ perforation may not be immediately identified during surgery, causing a patient’s condition to worsen in the hours or days after the procedure.
If you or a loved one has experienced serious complications after gallbladder surgery and you believe those complications could have been avoided, it may be time to consult a skilled legal team. Legal professionals can help determine whether a surgical error or negligence occurred and assist you in seeking compensation for the preventable harm that you’ve experienced.