Every year more than 10 million surgeries are performed in the UK alone. But for many patients, complications that arise during surgery will lead to some potentially severe outcomes in the future.

The accidental laceration, or perforation, of organs or tissue by medical professionals could have disastrous effects during, or even after, the operation.

With loss of function, shock, sepsis and fatality being just a few examples of how serious this kind of medical complication can be, it is vital that those who suffer get the legal advice that they deserve.

Why choose us?

At SDS Solicitors, we understand how traumatic it can be when you or a loved one become affected by an unintentional laceration or perforation. That’s why we help people like you determine whether they could have a possible claim.

As a Manchester-based specialist medical negligence, accident, and personal injury law firm, we are dedicated to helping you through this challenging time.

Despite being based in the North, we help people from all over England and Wales, and we have been providing our clients with our expert legal advice since 1997.

We also specialise in no win no fee claims, which means that if you don't win, you won't have to pay.

If you want to learn more about whether you could have a claim, call us for free at 0161 796 3000, or complete the online contact form and a member of our expert team will get back to you.

What areas of the body may become unintentionally lacerated?

During surgery, medical professionals may often need to make small incisions in the body. This is done intentionally and in the pursuit of helping the patient.

Therefore, in these instances, the incision is not considered to be “unintentional” and is not a case of unintentional laceration. The incision is very precise and has been planned ahead of time.

On the other hand, when it comes to unintentional lacerations and/or perforations, they can occur on any part of the body and are not a part of the surgery - typically affecting the organs, vessels, or tissue.

While the scale and severity of these unintentional injuries may vary, any unintentional laceration that affects the victim’s life might be a case of medical negligence and could mean that the victim has a possible claim.

Unintentional lacerations on any part of the body can cause damage and potential health risks, but the most common (and in many cases, the most dangerous) form of this specific branch of medical negligence is a perforated bowel, typically caused during a colonoscopy.

What is a perforated bowel?

When a hole appears in the bowel wall, the bowel becomes what is known as “perforated”.

While there are many potential causes of a perforated bowel, a perforated bowel caused accidentally during surgery affects many people.

Unfortunately, just as it is one of the more common forms of unintentional perforation, it is also incredibly dangerous. Especially when it has been left untreated.

When the bowel is perforated, the victim’s faeces and food can leak into the abdominal cavity.

This can quickly lead to an infection, resulting in extremely uncomfortable symptoms in the patient.

In some cases, this can even lead to sepsis - a life-threatening bodily reaction to an infection wherein the body begins to attack its own organs and tissue.

What is particularly dangerous about sepsis is that it can be incredibly difficult to spot, as many patients will only experience symptoms of a chest infection or the flu.

Without treatment, a perforated bowel may indeed be fatal. That is why it is so important to keep an eye out for any changes you experience after a surgery.

What are the risks of a perforated bowel?

During a colonoscopy, there is a slight risk of the bowel being accidentally cut by a medical professional. When this happens, it is imperative that the issue is dealt with as soon as possible.

The risk of a perforated bowel will increase slightly when the patient has a bowel condition or when a colonoscopy is used as a combined treatment programme with a biopsy or polypectomy.

Before any surgery, patients should always be told upfront about the risks involved. This is also the case for a colonoscopy.

By letting patients know about the potential risks involved, medical professionals can empower patients to monitor their post-surgery condition and look out for any symptoms.

If symptoms occur, they should be dealt with immediately as a perforated bowel can cause sepsis or even death.

How can a perforated bowel be diagnosed?

In the case of any underlying health condition, a speedy diagnosis is key to a patient having the best chance of recovery.

Whether they are still in the hospital or not, a patient’s symptoms must be brought to the attention of the medical professional in charge of their treatment and examined as soon as possible.

However, there are instances where medical professionals may fail to diagnose a perforated bowel or an unintentional laceration in another part of the body.

When medical professionals are unable to correctly determine the cause of a patient’s symptoms (some of which may be severe), they can cause the patient’s condition to worsen further.

In the aftermath of any surgery, but particularly a colonoscopy, a medical professional should consider the possibility that the surgery is what is causing the patient’s symptoms. From here, they should carry out the correct tests (such as a CT scan) to determine whether any unintentional laceration has taken place.

If you or someone you know have suffered due to a misdiagnosis, or lack of diagnosis of perforated tissue, then you may potentially have a claim. To learn more about the likelihood that you are entitled to a claim, and receive expert legal advice from seasoned professionals, get in touch with us.

Can I make a claim on behalf of someone else?

In some cases of unintentional laceration, a victim might be injured so severely that they are unable to try to claim compensation themselves.

When this happens, a spouse, close family member or friend may be able to take action on behalf of the victim and possibly make a claim.

In this instance, the person taking action on behalf of the victim, the “litigation friend”, will be able to make decisions about the court case.

If, during the course of the case, the victim regains the ability to advocate for themselves within regards to the case, then the litigation friend may be required to apply to formally end their role.

What am I entitled to?

If a claim is successful, the amount that you or your loved one can claim for will vary, depending on the details of your case.

Factors that are taken into account here include loss of earnings, the severity of the victim’s injuries, any physical or psychological medical requirements, and the length of recovery time.

How do I make a claim?

For many people, the prospect of going into surgery is a scary thought. But when an accident occurs during surgery, such as an unintentional laceration or perforation, it is common to feel unsure and anxious.

If you believe that you or someone you know may have suffered due to a case of unintentional laceration or perforation, then you might be entitled to compensation.

To discuss your unique situation in more depth with an expert, and for some impartial advice regarding whether you are eligible to make a claim, you need a solicitor that understands what you are going through.

Contact us

We are a leading specialist medical negligence, accident at work and personal injury law firm acting for claimants nationwide.

Our expert medical negligence solicitors regularly act for clients across Greater Manchester including Ashton, Bury, Bolton, Radcliffe, Prestwich, Middleton, Failsworth, Rochdale, Oldham and Whitefield.

Our team of recognised Surgery Negligence Claims Solicitors can support your needs wherever you live in Wales, England & Northern Ireland.

Call us for free now using the number at the top of the page or complete the online contact form and a member of our team will get back to you.