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The operation of choice over open surgery for about 90% of the 50,000 cholecystectomies undertaken in UK annually. The most common major abdominal operation in UK annually.
Keyhole gallstone surgery has many advantages and a few disadvantages.
The gall bladder is normally removed at cholecystectomy by clipping the cystic artery and cystic duct and peeling the gall bladder off the liver bed. The most common and serious is a resectional injury of the main bile ducts (biliary tree) with potential for injury to right hepatic artery. This may lead to more serious post operation complications and a poorer long term outcome.
Usual defence is that incidence rate of bile duct injury is approximately 0.3% and is therefore a “recognised injury”. But though the injury may be well recognised, they are frequently unacceptable. Many of the cases in published reports, have been found to be negligent.
A bile leak without a bile duct injury is unlikely to lead to a successful claim, neither will bowel or duodenal injuries from the laparoscopic trocar or instruments. However injuries to major vessels such as aorta, common iliac artery or associated veins can lead to massive haemorrhage and may be fatal. Such claims are likely to succeed.
Thompsons represented a firefighter who suffered a major bile duct injury following a laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Due to long term problems the client was unable to return to work and had to take medical retirement. He suffered a significant loss of earnings and pension as a result. This claim was settled in the total sum of £435,000.
If you or anyone you know has suffered from any form of clinical negligence, telephone us now for accurate claim advice.
There are strict time limits in place to make any personal injury compensation claim. For further information, contact us or visit our Questions Answered page.
Thompsons Solicitors are experts in all matters relating to clinical negligence and will be able to advise you as to whether or not you have a valid claim for compensation. Their specialist clinical negligence lawyers will be happy to talk you through the process of making a claim in plain English and will be happy to answer any questions or queries you may have.
Telephone us now on 08000 224 224 or complete one of our online compensation claim forms.
For more information about clinical negligence visit our Information Page.