It is estimated that around 10% to 15% of adults in the UK have gallstones.  They are normally small and made of cholesterol and form in the gallbladder.  In most cases, they do not require any treatment but in a small proportion of people gallstones can cause complications, such as intense abdominal pain and inflammation of the gallbladder.

In such cases, keyhole surgery, known as laparoscopic cholecystectomy, to remove the gallbladder may be recommended.

This procedure is straightforward and is generally associated with a low risk of complications, however, compensation claims can arise as a result of the surgeon making mistakes in identifying the gallbladder and the ducts and arteries leading from it.

The BBC reported recently of two patients who were injured within days of each other during gallbladder surgery at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital.  The patients both suffered significant long-term injuries and were told the damage could not be reversed.  A review by the Royal College of Surgeons raised significant concerns about the care provided, the failure to recognise that an alternative strategy was required, and the fact that a surgeon colleague was not consulted. Read the full BBC report here.

All surgery is associated with some risk but it is distressing to read of patients who have been left with life changing injuries following routine surgery and important that hospital trusts continue to investigate how injuries have occurred and can be avoided in the future.

Moosa-Duke Solicitors have many years’ experience in representing clients who have suffered injury following cholecystectomy or other operative procedures.  If you believe you or your loved one has suffered as a result of substandard care from a medical professional, please feel free to call us on 0116 254 7456 for a no obligation discussion.