Many people in the Houston area may have to have abdominal surgery at some point in their lives. For example, a C-section is a type of abdominal surgery that many women in Texas undergo in order to deliver a healthy baby. Even with modern technology and improved medical care, these are still serious operations that can lead to serious consequences should the surgeon make a careless mistake. One such mistake, which is unfortunately all too common, is for a surgeon to accidentally scrape or cut a person’s bowel with the surgical equipment, resulting in a bowel injury. Should this happen and escape the surgeon’s notice, it could result in bleeding and serious infections within the abdominal cavity. Although perhaps less common, bowel perforations can also develop should surgical stitches or staples fail following an operation in the area.
An intestinal perforation is a serious medical condition that should receive immediate treatment. Symptoms include severe abdominal pain as well as nausea and vomiting. Particularly with the onset of an infection, fever and chills may also develop. Usually, a perforated bowel is going to require emergency surgery as well as treatment for any infection. Severe abdominal sepsis can also occur, necessitating prompt medical intervention. In some cases, a person may have to have a colostomy or ileostomy, which can mean that the person will permanently have to empty their intestines by artificial means. While it may not have been done intentionally, a surgeon who perforates a patient’s bowel has made a serious error. The mistake will likely mean the patient has to go through another surgery and will, therefore, incur additional medical expenses. Bowel perforation lawsuits may arise from such incidents. Additionally, the patient may have to take more time off work and could experience additional pain and suffering. A medical malpractice claim could be filed in such cases.
A medical malpractice lawsuit may also be pursued to seek compensation. For a free consultation, call (713) 781-5200 or fill out our contact form today.
What Happens When a Bowel Is Punctured During Surgery?
A punctured bowel during surgery is often the result of a slip with a surgical instrument or a lack of visibility during laparoscopic surgery. This can create a small tear or hole in the bowel wall, allowing intestinal contents, including fecal matter and food particles, to leak into the abdominal cavity. The gastrointestinal tract is not sterile—when its contents spill into surrounding areas, it can rapidly lead to infection and inflammation of nearby internal organs.
The most dangerous consequence of a gastrointestinal perforation is peritonitis or sepsis, both of which are life-threatening without immediate medical care. Infections that spread unchecked through the bloodstream can result in organ failure or death. This is why prompt medical intervention following surgical error is not just important—it’s critical.
Symptoms and Diagnosis of Surgical Bowel Perforation
Symptoms of a bowel perforation may begin subtly but quickly escalate. A patient may report severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, elevated body temperature, and bloating. In cases of GI perforation, fever and a rapid heart rate can signal infection. Blood tests, imaging like a CT scan, and assessments by the radiology department are used to confirm whether the GI tract has been damaged.
Unfortunately, in some cases, signs and symptoms are missed or attributed to routine post-operative discomfort. If a healthcare provider dismisses these warning signs, the patient may suffer preventable harm. Failure to detect and treat a perforation in a timely manner can turn a manageable complication into a medical emergency.
Risk Factors and Surgical Settings Where Perforation May Occur
Certain medical conditions and procedures increase the risk of bowel perforation. Patients with Crohn’s disease, colon cancer, or prior abdominal surgeries have more fragile tissues that may tear easily. Operations involving the small intestine, large intestine, or pelvic surgery are particularly sensitive areas. Additionally, foreign objects, aggressive handling of instruments, or misidentification of anatomy during surgical procedures can increase the risk.
Even routine procedures can result in a rare complication like intestinal perforation, especially if a provider is not cautious. Missteps during laparoscopic surgery, where visibility is limited, can also lead to accidental damage that’s not immediately noticed. Surgeons must carefully inspect the site before concluding any operation.
Why This Medical Mistake May Lead to a Malpractice Claim
When a medical professional fails to identify and respond to a bowel perforation, the delay in treatment can cause long-term harm. Patients may require a second surgery to close the wound, manage infection, or even remove part of the bowel. Some may need permanent lifestyle adjustments, including colostomies or dietary limitations, due to damage sustained during surgery.
This is where a malpractice claim may come into play. If you were harmed because of a preventable surgical error and did not receive immediate treatment, you have the right to hold the responsible healthcare provider accountable. Whether your perforation was due to carelessness, poor surgical planning, or a lack of monitoring post-operation, you deserve to understand your legal options. Contact us at (713) 781-5200 or reach out through our contact form to discuss your case.
FAQs About Bowel Perforation During Surgery
What causes a bowel perforation during surgery?
A bowel perforation often occurs when a surgeon accidentally damages the bowel with an instrument during an operation. This can create a hole in the intestinal lining, allowing bowel contents—including fecal matter – to leak into the abdomen. In some cases, the damage results from a foreign object or surgical staples that fail after the procedure.
Is a bowel perforation considered a serious condition?
Yes. A perforation in the bowel is a serious condition that can quickly become life-threatening. When intestinal contents escape into the abdominal cavity, they can cause severe infection, inflammation, and even sepsis. Without prompt treatment, this kind of injury can lead to lasting damage or death.
What symptoms should I look for after abdominal surgery?
Common signs of a perforation include severe pain, swelling in the abdomen, fever, nausea, and vomiting. If a family member or patient shows these symptoms, especially following abdominal surgery, it’s critical to seek immediate treatment to rule out internal trauma or infection from leaking bowel contents.
How is a bowel perforation treated?
Most cases require surgery to repair the hole created in the intestinal wall. Depending on the extent of the injury, a portion of the colon or small intestine may need to be removed. Patients often need IV antibiotics and monitoring for signs of infection. If a significant amount of leakage has occurred, longer recovery times may follow.
Can I pursue legal action if this happened to me?
If a surgeon caused a bowel injury and failed to detect or treat it in time, leading to worsening pain, infection, or additional procedures, you may be eligible to file a medical malpractice claim. These cases often involve poor decision-making during surgery or failure to identify a serious condition quickly enough to prevent harm.
Legal Help for Surgical Bowel Injuries
At Davis & Davis, we know how devastating a bowel injury can be when it’s caused by medical negligence. With over 70 years of combined experience and hundreds of medical malpractice trials behind us, we’ve handled complex cases involving gastrointestinal perforation, misdiagnosed surgical complications, and delayed responses to postoperative infections. We understand the medicine, the law, and what it takes to pursue justice for you.
We focus exclusively on medical malpractice and are not afraid to take on cases others may turn away. If your bowel was punctured during surgery or you suffered from delayed treatment for a perforated bowel, we can help evaluate your case.
