Laparoscopic gallbladder surgery has many advantages over traditional gallbladder surgery including smaller incisions and greatly reduced recovery time. However, it requires a highly skilled surgeon to properly perform the procedure. Due to the popularity of this type of surgery, many doctors who lack required skill and training attempt the surgery.
Laparoscopic surgery involves inserting a tiny camera to view the inside of the body where the surgery is performed, rather than making a large incision and viewing the site of the operation with the naked eye. When all goes well, this means a less invasive, less painful operation with a significantly reduced recovery time. When the gallbladder is removed, the surgeon must identify and cut the right ducts, and avoid cutting or nicking the wrong ducts. These ducts are small and close together and a doctor who lacks the proper training or skill may not properly identify the ducts when viewing the surgery on a screen rather than with the naked eye.
The duct that should be cut is called the cystic duct. The most common mistake made during laparoscopic gallbladder surgery is cutting of the common bile duct instead of the cystic duct. Laparoscopic gallbladder surgery mistakes can lead to many complications including:
- Bile leakage
- Infection
- Bile peritonitis
- Abscess
- Jaundice
- Long-term pain
- Digestive problems
- Subsequent surgeries
- Cholangitis
- Death
Cholangitis is inflammation or infection of the bile ducts. It causes waste products and bacteria in the small intestine to flow upward and cause life-threatening infection.
Laparoscopic gallbladder surgery malpractice results in pain and significantly increased recovery time at best and at its worst can result in death. It is also completely avoidable. A well-trained surgeon can perform the surgery safely and the results are a great improvement over traditional gallbladder surgery. Incompetent surgeons who rush to perform this money-making surgery pose a serious risk to patients.
If you or a loved one has been harmed by laparoscopic gallbladder surgery malpractice, contact an experienced medical malpractice attorney today.
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