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Oophorectomy due to hemorrhage leads to surgical menopause
After 3 years of conservative treatment for recurring intense pain stemming from fibroids, a 41-year-old woman underwent a laparoscopic-assisted vaginal hysterectomy.
Twelve hours after surgery, the woman began to hemorrhage. A laparotomy identified the woman’s right ovary as the source of the bleeding. An oophorectomy was performed.
The plaintiff argued that her right ovary was improperly removed, leading to surgical menopause. She also alleged that the hysterectomy itself was not clinically indicated.
The defendant physician not only claimed the hysterectomy was indicated given the woman’s history, but also noted that the patient specifically requested the procedure. Further, the Ob/Gyn maintained that the oophorectomy was properly performed, and that the remaining ovary should have supplied adequate hormones.
- The jury returned a defense verdict.
After 3 years of conservative treatment for recurring intense pain stemming from fibroids, a 41-year-old woman underwent a laparoscopic-assisted vaginal hysterectomy.
Twelve hours after surgery, the woman began to hemorrhage. A laparotomy identified the woman’s right ovary as the source of the bleeding. An oophorectomy was performed.
The plaintiff argued that her right ovary was improperly removed, leading to surgical menopause. She also alleged that the hysterectomy itself was not clinically indicated.
The defendant physician not only claimed the hysterectomy was indicated given the woman’s history, but also noted that the patient specifically requested the procedure. Further, the Ob/Gyn maintained that the oophorectomy was properly performed, and that the remaining ovary should have supplied adequate hormones.
- The jury returned a defense verdict.
After 3 years of conservative treatment for recurring intense pain stemming from fibroids, a 41-year-old woman underwent a laparoscopic-assisted vaginal hysterectomy.
Twelve hours after surgery, the woman began to hemorrhage. A laparotomy identified the woman’s right ovary as the source of the bleeding. An oophorectomy was performed.
The plaintiff argued that her right ovary was improperly removed, leading to surgical menopause. She also alleged that the hysterectomy itself was not clinically indicated.
The defendant physician not only claimed the hysterectomy was indicated given the woman’s history, but also noted that the patient specifically requested the procedure. Further, the Ob/Gyn maintained that the oophorectomy was properly performed, and that the remaining ovary should have supplied adequate hormones.
- The jury returned a defense verdict.
Sponge overlooked, but during which cesarean?
Nine months after her second cesarean, a 44-year-old-woman presented to her Ob/Gyn with persistent cramping and abdominal pain. After a series of tests, the physician diagnosed endometritis.
When the patient reported persistent symptoms a year later, the doctor ordered a computed tomography scan; the study showed a large mass in the woman’s uterus. An emergency laparotomy revealed an 18-by-18-inch sponge, which the doctor removed. He also discovered an abscess that required a hysterectomy.
The woman sued, claiming the sponge was left during her second cesarean delivery.
The defendant hospital, however, argued the sponge was actually forgotten during her first cesarean. As proof, the defense presented testimony from the head nurse at the time of second procedure. She claimed to be a meticulous counter, and testified that she specifically recalled that the sponge count on the second cesarean was correct.
Although the first procedure was also conducted at the defendant institution, the defense claimed that the statute of limitations had expired.
- The jury awarded the plaintiff $500,000.
Nine months after her second cesarean, a 44-year-old-woman presented to her Ob/Gyn with persistent cramping and abdominal pain. After a series of tests, the physician diagnosed endometritis.
When the patient reported persistent symptoms a year later, the doctor ordered a computed tomography scan; the study showed a large mass in the woman’s uterus. An emergency laparotomy revealed an 18-by-18-inch sponge, which the doctor removed. He also discovered an abscess that required a hysterectomy.
The woman sued, claiming the sponge was left during her second cesarean delivery.
The defendant hospital, however, argued the sponge was actually forgotten during her first cesarean. As proof, the defense presented testimony from the head nurse at the time of second procedure. She claimed to be a meticulous counter, and testified that she specifically recalled that the sponge count on the second cesarean was correct.
Although the first procedure was also conducted at the defendant institution, the defense claimed that the statute of limitations had expired.
- The jury awarded the plaintiff $500,000.
Nine months after her second cesarean, a 44-year-old-woman presented to her Ob/Gyn with persistent cramping and abdominal pain. After a series of tests, the physician diagnosed endometritis.
When the patient reported persistent symptoms a year later, the doctor ordered a computed tomography scan; the study showed a large mass in the woman’s uterus. An emergency laparotomy revealed an 18-by-18-inch sponge, which the doctor removed. He also discovered an abscess that required a hysterectomy.
The woman sued, claiming the sponge was left during her second cesarean delivery.
The defendant hospital, however, argued the sponge was actually forgotten during her first cesarean. As proof, the defense presented testimony from the head nurse at the time of second procedure. She claimed to be a meticulous counter, and testified that she specifically recalled that the sponge count on the second cesarean was correct.
Although the first procedure was also conducted at the defendant institution, the defense claimed that the statute of limitations had expired.
- The jury awarded the plaintiff $500,000.
Tocolytics not given for preterm labor
Nine hours after presenting to an emergency department with labor contractions, a woman at 30 weeks’ gestation delivered a son. The child was born paralyzed after suffering an intraventricular hemorrhage.
The woman sued, claiming that she should have received tocolytics to prevent preterm birth, as well as corticosteroids to reduce the risk of birth defects.
The defendant claimed the woman had begun leaking amniotic fluid before she arrived at the hospital. Had she been given tocolytics, it was argued, the risk of infection to both mother and child would have risen dramatically.
Further, it was noted that when the incident took place, in 1990, administration of corticosteroids was not yet the standard of care in cases such as this.
- The jury returned a defense verdict.
Nine hours after presenting to an emergency department with labor contractions, a woman at 30 weeks’ gestation delivered a son. The child was born paralyzed after suffering an intraventricular hemorrhage.
The woman sued, claiming that she should have received tocolytics to prevent preterm birth, as well as corticosteroids to reduce the risk of birth defects.
The defendant claimed the woman had begun leaking amniotic fluid before she arrived at the hospital. Had she been given tocolytics, it was argued, the risk of infection to both mother and child would have risen dramatically.
Further, it was noted that when the incident took place, in 1990, administration of corticosteroids was not yet the standard of care in cases such as this.
- The jury returned a defense verdict.
Nine hours after presenting to an emergency department with labor contractions, a woman at 30 weeks’ gestation delivered a son. The child was born paralyzed after suffering an intraventricular hemorrhage.
The woman sued, claiming that she should have received tocolytics to prevent preterm birth, as well as corticosteroids to reduce the risk of birth defects.
The defendant claimed the woman had begun leaking amniotic fluid before she arrived at the hospital. Had she been given tocolytics, it was argued, the risk of infection to both mother and child would have risen dramatically.
Further, it was noted that when the incident took place, in 1990, administration of corticosteroids was not yet the standard of care in cases such as this.
- The jury returned a defense verdict.
Prior tracheotomy delays crash cesarean
After calling her physician with complaints of decreased fetal movement, a woman at 32 weeks’ gestation presented to the hospital. Fetal heart tracings were nonreassuring and an ultrasound biophysical profile was scored at 0/8. An emergency cesarean was ordered.
The patient, as a child, had had a tracheotomy, but the defendant Ob/Gyn never informed the anesthesiologist of this history. This led to complications in the attempts to intubate the mother, and thus delayed the delivery. The child now suffers cerebral palsy.
- The case settled for $8 million.
After calling her physician with complaints of decreased fetal movement, a woman at 32 weeks’ gestation presented to the hospital. Fetal heart tracings were nonreassuring and an ultrasound biophysical profile was scored at 0/8. An emergency cesarean was ordered.
The patient, as a child, had had a tracheotomy, but the defendant Ob/Gyn never informed the anesthesiologist of this history. This led to complications in the attempts to intubate the mother, and thus delayed the delivery. The child now suffers cerebral palsy.
- The case settled for $8 million.
After calling her physician with complaints of decreased fetal movement, a woman at 32 weeks’ gestation presented to the hospital. Fetal heart tracings were nonreassuring and an ultrasound biophysical profile was scored at 0/8. An emergency cesarean was ordered.
The patient, as a child, had had a tracheotomy, but the defendant Ob/Gyn never informed the anesthesiologist of this history. This led to complications in the attempts to intubate the mother, and thus delayed the delivery. The child now suffers cerebral palsy.
- The case settled for $8 million.
Laboring mother sent home; child suffers hypoxic insult
A woman at term in her second pregnancy presented to a hospital with contractions 3 to 5 minutes apart. Upon examination, her Ob/Gyn established she was 1 cm dilated and 50% effaced, with the fetus at –2 station.
As the night progressed, however, the woman’s contractions became further apart. The physician opted to send her home (a drive of more than 30 minutes)—despite the fact that electronic fetal monitoring revealed nonreactive tracings, and over the patient’s protests that her last delivery occurred very quickly once active labor began.
The next morning, the patient once again presented with contractions 3 to 5 minutes apart. Twenty minutes later she delivered the infant, who at birth was floppy and cyanotic and exhibited no spontaneous respirations or movements.
The medical record made no note of the care administered until 20 minutes after the child’s birth, when he was admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit. The infant was intubated; however, a chest x-ray showed that the tube had been placed down the right mainstem bronchus, and the left lung had collapsed. Still, tube repositioning did not occur until 30 minutes after the initial placement and needle aspiration for the pneumothorax was not done for another 10 minutes.
Subsequent radiologic studies indicated diffuse hypoxic insult. The child at age 5 was cortically blind; had significant hypotonia; and was unable to walk, talk, or engage in any purposeful activities.
- The case settled for $1.2 million.
A woman at term in her second pregnancy presented to a hospital with contractions 3 to 5 minutes apart. Upon examination, her Ob/Gyn established she was 1 cm dilated and 50% effaced, with the fetus at –2 station.
As the night progressed, however, the woman’s contractions became further apart. The physician opted to send her home (a drive of more than 30 minutes)—despite the fact that electronic fetal monitoring revealed nonreactive tracings, and over the patient’s protests that her last delivery occurred very quickly once active labor began.
The next morning, the patient once again presented with contractions 3 to 5 minutes apart. Twenty minutes later she delivered the infant, who at birth was floppy and cyanotic and exhibited no spontaneous respirations or movements.
The medical record made no note of the care administered until 20 minutes after the child’s birth, when he was admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit. The infant was intubated; however, a chest x-ray showed that the tube had been placed down the right mainstem bronchus, and the left lung had collapsed. Still, tube repositioning did not occur until 30 minutes after the initial placement and needle aspiration for the pneumothorax was not done for another 10 minutes.
Subsequent radiologic studies indicated diffuse hypoxic insult. The child at age 5 was cortically blind; had significant hypotonia; and was unable to walk, talk, or engage in any purposeful activities.
- The case settled for $1.2 million.
A woman at term in her second pregnancy presented to a hospital with contractions 3 to 5 minutes apart. Upon examination, her Ob/Gyn established she was 1 cm dilated and 50% effaced, with the fetus at –2 station.
As the night progressed, however, the woman’s contractions became further apart. The physician opted to send her home (a drive of more than 30 minutes)—despite the fact that electronic fetal monitoring revealed nonreactive tracings, and over the patient’s protests that her last delivery occurred very quickly once active labor began.
The next morning, the patient once again presented with contractions 3 to 5 minutes apart. Twenty minutes later she delivered the infant, who at birth was floppy and cyanotic and exhibited no spontaneous respirations or movements.
The medical record made no note of the care administered until 20 minutes after the child’s birth, when he was admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit. The infant was intubated; however, a chest x-ray showed that the tube had been placed down the right mainstem bronchus, and the left lung had collapsed. Still, tube repositioning did not occur until 30 minutes after the initial placement and needle aspiration for the pneumothorax was not done for another 10 minutes.
Subsequent radiologic studies indicated diffuse hypoxic insult. The child at age 5 was cortically blind; had significant hypotonia; and was unable to walk, talk, or engage in any purposeful activities.
- The case settled for $1.2 million.
Missed oligohydramnios blamed for cerebral palsy
Following a failed induction of labor, a woman at 41 3/7 weeks’ gestation was discharged home and told to return in 4 days. Two days later, however, she returned to the hospital in spontaneous labor.
Fetal heart tracings at that time indicated a sinusoidal pattern, as well as significant bradycardia and decelerations. Monitoring continued to indicate fetal compromise throughout labor and delivery, which occurred 2 hours after admission. The child now suffers from cerebral palsy and retardation.
In suing, the parents noted that the amniotic fluid level was not assessed at the time of the woman’s induction. They claimed that test would have revealed oligohydramnios, which would have prompted physicians to keep her in the hospital. Had a biophysical profile been performed before the discharge, they alleged, the patient would have delivered without incident later that day.
The defendants argued that the fetal heart tracings never indicated fetal distress. Further, they claimed the infant’s injuries stemmed not from the events surrounding her birth, but rather from Coxsackievirus infection prior to labor and delivery.
- The jury awarded the plaintiff $3.2 million.
Following a failed induction of labor, a woman at 41 3/7 weeks’ gestation was discharged home and told to return in 4 days. Two days later, however, she returned to the hospital in spontaneous labor.
Fetal heart tracings at that time indicated a sinusoidal pattern, as well as significant bradycardia and decelerations. Monitoring continued to indicate fetal compromise throughout labor and delivery, which occurred 2 hours after admission. The child now suffers from cerebral palsy and retardation.
In suing, the parents noted that the amniotic fluid level was not assessed at the time of the woman’s induction. They claimed that test would have revealed oligohydramnios, which would have prompted physicians to keep her in the hospital. Had a biophysical profile been performed before the discharge, they alleged, the patient would have delivered without incident later that day.
The defendants argued that the fetal heart tracings never indicated fetal distress. Further, they claimed the infant’s injuries stemmed not from the events surrounding her birth, but rather from Coxsackievirus infection prior to labor and delivery.
- The jury awarded the plaintiff $3.2 million.
Following a failed induction of labor, a woman at 41 3/7 weeks’ gestation was discharged home and told to return in 4 days. Two days later, however, she returned to the hospital in spontaneous labor.
Fetal heart tracings at that time indicated a sinusoidal pattern, as well as significant bradycardia and decelerations. Monitoring continued to indicate fetal compromise throughout labor and delivery, which occurred 2 hours after admission. The child now suffers from cerebral palsy and retardation.
In suing, the parents noted that the amniotic fluid level was not assessed at the time of the woman’s induction. They claimed that test would have revealed oligohydramnios, which would have prompted physicians to keep her in the hospital. Had a biophysical profile been performed before the discharge, they alleged, the patient would have delivered without incident later that day.
The defendants argued that the fetal heart tracings never indicated fetal distress. Further, they claimed the infant’s injuries stemmed not from the events surrounding her birth, but rather from Coxsackievirus infection prior to labor and delivery.
- The jury awarded the plaintiff $3.2 million.
Was fistula repair performed too soon?
During delivery of a macrosomic full-term infant, a woman suffered a fourth-degree laceration that tore her vagina and anal sphincter. The physician repaired the tear, but 6 days postpartum the woman returned complaining of gas and stool escaping through her vagina. The Ob/Gyn diagnosed a rectovaginal fistula and prescribed antibiotics. A surgical repair was performed 7 weeks later.
Following the repair, however, the woman’s symptoms continued. She sought the advice of several other doctors, who suggested that 4 or 5 new fistulas had developed.
The woman sued, claiming that the defendant conducted the repair too soon, when the site was still inflamed, swollen, and infected.
The defendant maintained that the site was neither inflamed nor infected at the time of repair, and that the woman did not suffer any additional fistulas as a result of surgery.
- The jury returned a defense verdict.
During delivery of a macrosomic full-term infant, a woman suffered a fourth-degree laceration that tore her vagina and anal sphincter. The physician repaired the tear, but 6 days postpartum the woman returned complaining of gas and stool escaping through her vagina. The Ob/Gyn diagnosed a rectovaginal fistula and prescribed antibiotics. A surgical repair was performed 7 weeks later.
Following the repair, however, the woman’s symptoms continued. She sought the advice of several other doctors, who suggested that 4 or 5 new fistulas had developed.
The woman sued, claiming that the defendant conducted the repair too soon, when the site was still inflamed, swollen, and infected.
The defendant maintained that the site was neither inflamed nor infected at the time of repair, and that the woman did not suffer any additional fistulas as a result of surgery.
- The jury returned a defense verdict.
During delivery of a macrosomic full-term infant, a woman suffered a fourth-degree laceration that tore her vagina and anal sphincter. The physician repaired the tear, but 6 days postpartum the woman returned complaining of gas and stool escaping through her vagina. The Ob/Gyn diagnosed a rectovaginal fistula and prescribed antibiotics. A surgical repair was performed 7 weeks later.
Following the repair, however, the woman’s symptoms continued. She sought the advice of several other doctors, who suggested that 4 or 5 new fistulas had developed.
The woman sued, claiming that the defendant conducted the repair too soon, when the site was still inflamed, swollen, and infected.
The defendant maintained that the site was neither inflamed nor infected at the time of repair, and that the woman did not suffer any additional fistulas as a result of surgery.
- The jury returned a defense verdict.
Necrotizing fasciitis, death follow tubal ligation
The day after a tubal ligation procedure, doctors discovered an infection in the 49-year-old woman’s abdomen, which they diagnosed as peritonitis. The infection, they determined, stemmed from an undetected puncture in the woman’s bladder that occurred at the time of surgery.
The woman was prescribed antibiotics, and surgery was initiated to close the hole and cleanse the abdomen. During this procedure, however, the patient went into shock and had to be placed on a ventilator.
In the following days, the woman experienced severe bruising of her abdomen and genitals. Antibiotic therapy was continued. An infectious disease specialist was not consulted.
Ultimately, a surgeon recognized the patient’s findings as those of necrotizing fasciitis. Despite attempts to remove the infected tissue, the woman died 9 days after the tubal ligation.
In suing, the woman’s family claimed that had the doctors recognized and treated the fasciitis in a timely manner, the patient would have survived. Further, they argued, tubal ligation should never have been performed on a 49-year-old woman in stable health.
The defense argued that not only was the patient’s infection exceedingly rare, but it manifested in an unusual manner, complicating the diagnosis.
- The jury awarded the plaintiff $6.5 million.
The day after a tubal ligation procedure, doctors discovered an infection in the 49-year-old woman’s abdomen, which they diagnosed as peritonitis. The infection, they determined, stemmed from an undetected puncture in the woman’s bladder that occurred at the time of surgery.
The woman was prescribed antibiotics, and surgery was initiated to close the hole and cleanse the abdomen. During this procedure, however, the patient went into shock and had to be placed on a ventilator.
In the following days, the woman experienced severe bruising of her abdomen and genitals. Antibiotic therapy was continued. An infectious disease specialist was not consulted.
Ultimately, a surgeon recognized the patient’s findings as those of necrotizing fasciitis. Despite attempts to remove the infected tissue, the woman died 9 days after the tubal ligation.
In suing, the woman’s family claimed that had the doctors recognized and treated the fasciitis in a timely manner, the patient would have survived. Further, they argued, tubal ligation should never have been performed on a 49-year-old woman in stable health.
The defense argued that not only was the patient’s infection exceedingly rare, but it manifested in an unusual manner, complicating the diagnosis.
- The jury awarded the plaintiff $6.5 million.
The day after a tubal ligation procedure, doctors discovered an infection in the 49-year-old woman’s abdomen, which they diagnosed as peritonitis. The infection, they determined, stemmed from an undetected puncture in the woman’s bladder that occurred at the time of surgery.
The woman was prescribed antibiotics, and surgery was initiated to close the hole and cleanse the abdomen. During this procedure, however, the patient went into shock and had to be placed on a ventilator.
In the following days, the woman experienced severe bruising of her abdomen and genitals. Antibiotic therapy was continued. An infectious disease specialist was not consulted.
Ultimately, a surgeon recognized the patient’s findings as those of necrotizing fasciitis. Despite attempts to remove the infected tissue, the woman died 9 days after the tubal ligation.
In suing, the woman’s family claimed that had the doctors recognized and treated the fasciitis in a timely manner, the patient would have survived. Further, they argued, tubal ligation should never have been performed on a 49-year-old woman in stable health.
The defense argued that not only was the patient’s infection exceedingly rare, but it manifested in an unusual manner, complicating the diagnosis.
- The jury awarded the plaintiff $6.5 million.
Was cesarean indicated for dystocia?
When an obese woman with gestational diabetes presented to a hospital, fetal heart-rate tracings for her unborn child were nonreassuring.
The resident physician ruptured the membranes in an effort to hasten delivery, at which time the woman’s cord prolapsed outside her uterus. The resident opted to replace the cord rather than attempt cesarean delivery.
Two hours later, fetal monitoring indicated the infant was in distress; still, the labor was allowed to continue. The attending physician was called in to perform a vaginal delivery 3 hours later, at which time shoulder dystocia with cord compression was encountered.
The child was born with hypoxic ischemic injury. Six years old at the time of trial, she suffers from mental retardation and will require custodial care for life.
In suing, the mother claimed her risk factors for dystocia—obesity, gestational diabetes, and a 60-pound weight gain during pregnancy—should have prompted doctors to perform an ultrasound and fetal size assessment upon admission. This, she claimed, would have pointed to the need for cesarean. She further maintained that both the cord prolapse and the signs of fetal distress were indications for immediate cesarean delivery.
The defense noted that the pH levels taken shortly after birth were not consistent with severe hypoxia in the perinatal period; further, magnetic resonance imaging did not show any evidence of significant brain injury. They also argued that any neurologic injury that did exist may have occurred prior to the mother’s admission.
- The plaintiffs settled for $2 million against the defendant medical center, provided both defendant physicians were dismissed.
When an obese woman with gestational diabetes presented to a hospital, fetal heart-rate tracings for her unborn child were nonreassuring.
The resident physician ruptured the membranes in an effort to hasten delivery, at which time the woman’s cord prolapsed outside her uterus. The resident opted to replace the cord rather than attempt cesarean delivery.
Two hours later, fetal monitoring indicated the infant was in distress; still, the labor was allowed to continue. The attending physician was called in to perform a vaginal delivery 3 hours later, at which time shoulder dystocia with cord compression was encountered.
The child was born with hypoxic ischemic injury. Six years old at the time of trial, she suffers from mental retardation and will require custodial care for life.
In suing, the mother claimed her risk factors for dystocia—obesity, gestational diabetes, and a 60-pound weight gain during pregnancy—should have prompted doctors to perform an ultrasound and fetal size assessment upon admission. This, she claimed, would have pointed to the need for cesarean. She further maintained that both the cord prolapse and the signs of fetal distress were indications for immediate cesarean delivery.
The defense noted that the pH levels taken shortly after birth were not consistent with severe hypoxia in the perinatal period; further, magnetic resonance imaging did not show any evidence of significant brain injury. They also argued that any neurologic injury that did exist may have occurred prior to the mother’s admission.
- The plaintiffs settled for $2 million against the defendant medical center, provided both defendant physicians were dismissed.
When an obese woman with gestational diabetes presented to a hospital, fetal heart-rate tracings for her unborn child were nonreassuring.
The resident physician ruptured the membranes in an effort to hasten delivery, at which time the woman’s cord prolapsed outside her uterus. The resident opted to replace the cord rather than attempt cesarean delivery.
Two hours later, fetal monitoring indicated the infant was in distress; still, the labor was allowed to continue. The attending physician was called in to perform a vaginal delivery 3 hours later, at which time shoulder dystocia with cord compression was encountered.
The child was born with hypoxic ischemic injury. Six years old at the time of trial, she suffers from mental retardation and will require custodial care for life.
In suing, the mother claimed her risk factors for dystocia—obesity, gestational diabetes, and a 60-pound weight gain during pregnancy—should have prompted doctors to perform an ultrasound and fetal size assessment upon admission. This, she claimed, would have pointed to the need for cesarean. She further maintained that both the cord prolapse and the signs of fetal distress were indications for immediate cesarean delivery.
The defense noted that the pH levels taken shortly after birth were not consistent with severe hypoxia in the perinatal period; further, magnetic resonance imaging did not show any evidence of significant brain injury. They also argued that any neurologic injury that did exist may have occurred prior to the mother’s admission.
- The plaintiffs settled for $2 million against the defendant medical center, provided both defendant physicians were dismissed.
Appendectomy leads to preterm birth
On 5 separate occasions over 2 weeks, a woman at 23 weeks’ gestation reported abdominal pain, which her clinicians attributed to round ligament pain. A complete blood count performed just prior to those 2 weeks revealed a white blood count of 18,800. However, the patient’s health-care providers never reviewed the results.
The following week, the woman presented to the hospital’s emergency department, where she was diagnosed with appendicitis.
An appendectomy was performed, after which the patient—then at 26 weeks’ gestation—went into labor. Her infant has since been diagnosed as mildly mentally retarded.
The mother contended that her white blood cell count should have prompted a consultation with a general surgeon, which would have led to an appropriate workup for appendicitis.
The defendant claimed that even if the appendicitis had been recognized, the fetus would not have survived surgery performed during the mother’s 23rd week.
- The plaintiff was awarded $1.3 million at arbitration.
On 5 separate occasions over 2 weeks, a woman at 23 weeks’ gestation reported abdominal pain, which her clinicians attributed to round ligament pain. A complete blood count performed just prior to those 2 weeks revealed a white blood count of 18,800. However, the patient’s health-care providers never reviewed the results.
The following week, the woman presented to the hospital’s emergency department, where she was diagnosed with appendicitis.
An appendectomy was performed, after which the patient—then at 26 weeks’ gestation—went into labor. Her infant has since been diagnosed as mildly mentally retarded.
The mother contended that her white blood cell count should have prompted a consultation with a general surgeon, which would have led to an appropriate workup for appendicitis.
The defendant claimed that even if the appendicitis had been recognized, the fetus would not have survived surgery performed during the mother’s 23rd week.
- The plaintiff was awarded $1.3 million at arbitration.
On 5 separate occasions over 2 weeks, a woman at 23 weeks’ gestation reported abdominal pain, which her clinicians attributed to round ligament pain. A complete blood count performed just prior to those 2 weeks revealed a white blood count of 18,800. However, the patient’s health-care providers never reviewed the results.
The following week, the woman presented to the hospital’s emergency department, where she was diagnosed with appendicitis.
An appendectomy was performed, after which the patient—then at 26 weeks’ gestation—went into labor. Her infant has since been diagnosed as mildly mentally retarded.
The mother contended that her white blood cell count should have prompted a consultation with a general surgeon, which would have led to an appropriate workup for appendicitis.
The defendant claimed that even if the appendicitis had been recognized, the fetus would not have survived surgery performed during the mother’s 23rd week.
- The plaintiff was awarded $1.3 million at arbitration.