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Defective bladder sling causes vaginal skin erosion
A woman with urinary incontinence presented to a specialist, who implanted a bladder sling made by Boston Scientific Corp (Natick, Mass).
The woman later sued, claiming the device eroded the skin in her vagina. She contended that the sling material had been tested on other body parts, but not the bladder.
Boston Scientific’s bladder sling was voluntarily recalled less than 2 years after it was introduced; more than 600 cases are pending nationwide.
- The jury awarded the plaintiff $400,000.
A woman with urinary incontinence presented to a specialist, who implanted a bladder sling made by Boston Scientific Corp (Natick, Mass).
The woman later sued, claiming the device eroded the skin in her vagina. She contended that the sling material had been tested on other body parts, but not the bladder.
Boston Scientific’s bladder sling was voluntarily recalled less than 2 years after it was introduced; more than 600 cases are pending nationwide.
- The jury awarded the plaintiff $400,000.
A woman with urinary incontinence presented to a specialist, who implanted a bladder sling made by Boston Scientific Corp (Natick, Mass).
The woman later sued, claiming the device eroded the skin in her vagina. She contended that the sling material had been tested on other body parts, but not the bladder.
Boston Scientific’s bladder sling was voluntarily recalled less than 2 years after it was introduced; more than 600 cases are pending nationwide.
- The jury awarded the plaintiff $400,000.
Labioplasty performed instead of authorized episiotomy scar revision
During a routine checkup, a 44-year-old woman asked her Ob/Gyn if her labia appeared at all abnormal. She told the physician that a former boyfriend had said her labia had too much laxity for him to enjoy intercourse with her.
The Ob/Gyn recommended an episiotomy scar revision; however, the woman alleged that the doctor instead performed a cosmetic labioplasty.
The patient claimed the physician fell below the standard of care by recommending an unnecessary procedure and then performing an unauthorized procedure. She further contended that the labioplasty was improperly performed, and that as a result she now suffers from abnormal and asymmetrical labia.
The physician admitted performing the wrong procedure, but argued that the patient’s labia remained within the norm and that a nonphysician would not be able to tell the difference. The doctor also noted that the patient had not changed her sexual activities, missed any work, or sought counseling; has no functional disabilities; and faces no future medical expenses from the procedure.
- The jury awarded the plaintiff $750,000.
During a routine checkup, a 44-year-old woman asked her Ob/Gyn if her labia appeared at all abnormal. She told the physician that a former boyfriend had said her labia had too much laxity for him to enjoy intercourse with her.
The Ob/Gyn recommended an episiotomy scar revision; however, the woman alleged that the doctor instead performed a cosmetic labioplasty.
The patient claimed the physician fell below the standard of care by recommending an unnecessary procedure and then performing an unauthorized procedure. She further contended that the labioplasty was improperly performed, and that as a result she now suffers from abnormal and asymmetrical labia.
The physician admitted performing the wrong procedure, but argued that the patient’s labia remained within the norm and that a nonphysician would not be able to tell the difference. The doctor also noted that the patient had not changed her sexual activities, missed any work, or sought counseling; has no functional disabilities; and faces no future medical expenses from the procedure.
- The jury awarded the plaintiff $750,000.
During a routine checkup, a 44-year-old woman asked her Ob/Gyn if her labia appeared at all abnormal. She told the physician that a former boyfriend had said her labia had too much laxity for him to enjoy intercourse with her.
The Ob/Gyn recommended an episiotomy scar revision; however, the woman alleged that the doctor instead performed a cosmetic labioplasty.
The patient claimed the physician fell below the standard of care by recommending an unnecessary procedure and then performing an unauthorized procedure. She further contended that the labioplasty was improperly performed, and that as a result she now suffers from abnormal and asymmetrical labia.
The physician admitted performing the wrong procedure, but argued that the patient’s labia remained within the norm and that a nonphysician would not be able to tell the difference. The doctor also noted that the patient had not changed her sexual activities, missed any work, or sought counseling; has no functional disabilities; and faces no future medical expenses from the procedure.
- The jury awarded the plaintiff $750,000.
Undiagnosed genetic condition associated with infants’ brain damage
Upon presenting to her obstetrician, a gravida expressed concern about intracranial hemorrhage. A number of years earlier, she had given birth to a child with severe intracranial hemorrhaging, and that child had died at the age of 7.
The obstetrician referred the patient to a geneticist, who determined there would be no complications with the current pregnancy. However, an ultrasound at 37 to 38 weeks’ gestation revealed fetal intracranial hemorrhaging. She underwent a cesarean delivery, and the baby was born with severe brain damage.
In suing the obstetrician and geneticist, the woman claimed her infants’ brain hemorrhages stemmed from a rare genetic condition that caused fetal platelet dysfunction. She argued that the condition is avoidable with intravenous treatments during pregnancy—in fact, using this therapy, the woman later delivered a healthy baby.
The obstetrician contended that the mother’s condition was so rare that diagnosis could not have been expected. She also pointed out that she had referred the patient to a geneticist. The geneticist maintained that the cause of the problem was unknown.
- The case settled at mediation with the geneticist and the Wisconsin Patient’s Compensation Fund for $7 million. The suit against the obstetrician was dropped.
Upon presenting to her obstetrician, a gravida expressed concern about intracranial hemorrhage. A number of years earlier, she had given birth to a child with severe intracranial hemorrhaging, and that child had died at the age of 7.
The obstetrician referred the patient to a geneticist, who determined there would be no complications with the current pregnancy. However, an ultrasound at 37 to 38 weeks’ gestation revealed fetal intracranial hemorrhaging. She underwent a cesarean delivery, and the baby was born with severe brain damage.
In suing the obstetrician and geneticist, the woman claimed her infants’ brain hemorrhages stemmed from a rare genetic condition that caused fetal platelet dysfunction. She argued that the condition is avoidable with intravenous treatments during pregnancy—in fact, using this therapy, the woman later delivered a healthy baby.
The obstetrician contended that the mother’s condition was so rare that diagnosis could not have been expected. She also pointed out that she had referred the patient to a geneticist. The geneticist maintained that the cause of the problem was unknown.
- The case settled at mediation with the geneticist and the Wisconsin Patient’s Compensation Fund for $7 million. The suit against the obstetrician was dropped.
Upon presenting to her obstetrician, a gravida expressed concern about intracranial hemorrhage. A number of years earlier, she had given birth to a child with severe intracranial hemorrhaging, and that child had died at the age of 7.
The obstetrician referred the patient to a geneticist, who determined there would be no complications with the current pregnancy. However, an ultrasound at 37 to 38 weeks’ gestation revealed fetal intracranial hemorrhaging. She underwent a cesarean delivery, and the baby was born with severe brain damage.
In suing the obstetrician and geneticist, the woman claimed her infants’ brain hemorrhages stemmed from a rare genetic condition that caused fetal platelet dysfunction. She argued that the condition is avoidable with intravenous treatments during pregnancy—in fact, using this therapy, the woman later delivered a healthy baby.
The obstetrician contended that the mother’s condition was so rare that diagnosis could not have been expected. She also pointed out that she had referred the patient to a geneticist. The geneticist maintained that the cause of the problem was unknown.
- The case settled at mediation with the geneticist and the Wisconsin Patient’s Compensation Fund for $7 million. The suit against the obstetrician was dropped.
‘Unsuspicious’ breast calcifications followed by mastectomy, chemotherapy
In reviewing the mammogram of a 36-year-old woman, a radiologist noted a cluster of calcifications in her right breast, but did not consider them suspicious. Two years later, the patient underwent a mammogram with another radiologist, who noted the calcifications as benign.
The following year another mammogram showed a 2-cm dense lymph node. The patient later claimed she felt a mass under her right armpit and in her right breast. Physicians discovered both the lymph node and breast mass were malignant. As a result, the woman underwent a mastectomy and chemotherapy.
The patient later sued the first 2 radiologists, claiming that her chance of survival would have been 95% had the defendants ordered biopsies.
- The jury awarded the plaintiff $4 million.
In reviewing the mammogram of a 36-year-old woman, a radiologist noted a cluster of calcifications in her right breast, but did not consider them suspicious. Two years later, the patient underwent a mammogram with another radiologist, who noted the calcifications as benign.
The following year another mammogram showed a 2-cm dense lymph node. The patient later claimed she felt a mass under her right armpit and in her right breast. Physicians discovered both the lymph node and breast mass were malignant. As a result, the woman underwent a mastectomy and chemotherapy.
The patient later sued the first 2 radiologists, claiming that her chance of survival would have been 95% had the defendants ordered biopsies.
- The jury awarded the plaintiff $4 million.
In reviewing the mammogram of a 36-year-old woman, a radiologist noted a cluster of calcifications in her right breast, but did not consider them suspicious. Two years later, the patient underwent a mammogram with another radiologist, who noted the calcifications as benign.
The following year another mammogram showed a 2-cm dense lymph node. The patient later claimed she felt a mass under her right armpit and in her right breast. Physicians discovered both the lymph node and breast mass were malignant. As a result, the woman underwent a mastectomy and chemotherapy.
The patient later sued the first 2 radiologists, claiming that her chance of survival would have been 95% had the defendants ordered biopsies.
- The jury awarded the plaintiff $4 million.
Amniotic fluid embolus leads to mother’s death, infant brain injury
A short while after labor was induced in a 32-year-old gravida, the fetal monitoring strips became nonreassuring and the mother’s breathing was impaired.
After attempting to remedy the situation by repositioning the mother and administering oxygen, the nurses called the obstetrician. The physician arrived to find the mother unresponsive, not breathing, and foaming from the mouth.
Emergency personnel began immediate resuscitation efforts, and the obstetrician performed an emergency cesarean. The child suffered an anoxic brain injury, including cerebral palsy, blindness, deafness, and seizure disorder. The mother died 18 hours after delivery.
The defendant argued that the patient suffered an amniotic fluid embolus, an unpredictable and untreatable event.
The woman’s family agreed that her death was unavoidable. However, they maintained that the delay in recognizing the mother’s condition caused the child’s injuries.
- The case settled for $2.13 million.
A short while after labor was induced in a 32-year-old gravida, the fetal monitoring strips became nonreassuring and the mother’s breathing was impaired.
After attempting to remedy the situation by repositioning the mother and administering oxygen, the nurses called the obstetrician. The physician arrived to find the mother unresponsive, not breathing, and foaming from the mouth.
Emergency personnel began immediate resuscitation efforts, and the obstetrician performed an emergency cesarean. The child suffered an anoxic brain injury, including cerebral palsy, blindness, deafness, and seizure disorder. The mother died 18 hours after delivery.
The defendant argued that the patient suffered an amniotic fluid embolus, an unpredictable and untreatable event.
The woman’s family agreed that her death was unavoidable. However, they maintained that the delay in recognizing the mother’s condition caused the child’s injuries.
- The case settled for $2.13 million.
A short while after labor was induced in a 32-year-old gravida, the fetal monitoring strips became nonreassuring and the mother’s breathing was impaired.
After attempting to remedy the situation by repositioning the mother and administering oxygen, the nurses called the obstetrician. The physician arrived to find the mother unresponsive, not breathing, and foaming from the mouth.
Emergency personnel began immediate resuscitation efforts, and the obstetrician performed an emergency cesarean. The child suffered an anoxic brain injury, including cerebral palsy, blindness, deafness, and seizure disorder. The mother died 18 hours after delivery.
The defendant argued that the patient suffered an amniotic fluid embolus, an unpredictable and untreatable event.
The woman’s family agreed that her death was unavoidable. However, they maintained that the delay in recognizing the mother’s condition caused the child’s injuries.
- The case settled for $2.13 million.
Stress, vertical scar blamed on misdiagnosed pregnancy
A 25-year-old woman at 16 weeks’ gestation presented to a perinatology clinic for a routine sonogram. The perinatologist reading the sonogram detected signs of an abdominal pregnancy and alerted the patient’s physician. The perinatologist referred the woman to the hospital for an emergency exploratory laparatomy to remove the pregnancy.
During the procedure, only a normal intrauterine pregnancy was found. The infant was later delivered successfully at term via cesarean section.
The woman sued, claiming that the operating physician relied on a faxed report for the diagnosis. She also cited undue emotional stress during her pregnancy, as well as the unnecessary 6-inch vertical scar on her abdomen.
The physician argued that, based on the perinatologist’s diagnosis, surgery was justified.
- The jury returned a defense verdict. A $75,000 pretrial settlement was reached with the perinatologist.
A 25-year-old woman at 16 weeks’ gestation presented to a perinatology clinic for a routine sonogram. The perinatologist reading the sonogram detected signs of an abdominal pregnancy and alerted the patient’s physician. The perinatologist referred the woman to the hospital for an emergency exploratory laparatomy to remove the pregnancy.
During the procedure, only a normal intrauterine pregnancy was found. The infant was later delivered successfully at term via cesarean section.
The woman sued, claiming that the operating physician relied on a faxed report for the diagnosis. She also cited undue emotional stress during her pregnancy, as well as the unnecessary 6-inch vertical scar on her abdomen.
The physician argued that, based on the perinatologist’s diagnosis, surgery was justified.
- The jury returned a defense verdict. A $75,000 pretrial settlement was reached with the perinatologist.
A 25-year-old woman at 16 weeks’ gestation presented to a perinatology clinic for a routine sonogram. The perinatologist reading the sonogram detected signs of an abdominal pregnancy and alerted the patient’s physician. The perinatologist referred the woman to the hospital for an emergency exploratory laparatomy to remove the pregnancy.
During the procedure, only a normal intrauterine pregnancy was found. The infant was later delivered successfully at term via cesarean section.
The woman sued, claiming that the operating physician relied on a faxed report for the diagnosis. She also cited undue emotional stress during her pregnancy, as well as the unnecessary 6-inch vertical scar on her abdomen.
The physician argued that, based on the perinatologist’s diagnosis, surgery was justified.
- The jury returned a defense verdict. A $75,000 pretrial settlement was reached with the perinatologist.
Did delayed cesarean result in brain injury?
Presenting with irregular contractions, a woman was admitted to the hospital. A fetal heart monitor was placed and nurses monitored her throughout the day. At 3:30 PM, the fetal heart rate began to decelerate.
At 8:10 PM, the obstetrician called the nurses; he was told that the mother was not in labor and that fetal heart tones were normal. He ordered the fetal monitor discontinued.
The following morning, the obstetrician visited the patient, who had not been seen by a physician since her admission. Following this examination, he delivered the infant via cesarean. At birth, the infant had low Apgar scores, no breathing, cyanosis, and hypoxic ischemia. The child suffers from severe cerebral palsy, mental retardation, and spastic quadriplegia.
In suing, the mother claimed that hospital staff failed to alert the doctor to the fetal heart rate decelerations. She also contended that the doctor should have performed the cesarean earlier.
The hospital maintained that the nursing staff treated the patient appropriately and relayed relevant information to the doctor. Further, the monitor showed variable decelerations, indicative of umbilical cord compression, not uteroplacental insufficiency. The hospital claimed the infant’s brain injury occurred 24 to 72 hours prior to the mother’s admission.
- The jury awarded the plaintiff $20.25 million from the hospital, but returned a defense verdict for the defendant obstetrician. A high/low agreement reached during deliberations yielded $19 million from both the hospital and physician.
Presenting with irregular contractions, a woman was admitted to the hospital. A fetal heart monitor was placed and nurses monitored her throughout the day. At 3:30 PM, the fetal heart rate began to decelerate.
At 8:10 PM, the obstetrician called the nurses; he was told that the mother was not in labor and that fetal heart tones were normal. He ordered the fetal monitor discontinued.
The following morning, the obstetrician visited the patient, who had not been seen by a physician since her admission. Following this examination, he delivered the infant via cesarean. At birth, the infant had low Apgar scores, no breathing, cyanosis, and hypoxic ischemia. The child suffers from severe cerebral palsy, mental retardation, and spastic quadriplegia.
In suing, the mother claimed that hospital staff failed to alert the doctor to the fetal heart rate decelerations. She also contended that the doctor should have performed the cesarean earlier.
The hospital maintained that the nursing staff treated the patient appropriately and relayed relevant information to the doctor. Further, the monitor showed variable decelerations, indicative of umbilical cord compression, not uteroplacental insufficiency. The hospital claimed the infant’s brain injury occurred 24 to 72 hours prior to the mother’s admission.
- The jury awarded the plaintiff $20.25 million from the hospital, but returned a defense verdict for the defendant obstetrician. A high/low agreement reached during deliberations yielded $19 million from both the hospital and physician.
Presenting with irregular contractions, a woman was admitted to the hospital. A fetal heart monitor was placed and nurses monitored her throughout the day. At 3:30 PM, the fetal heart rate began to decelerate.
At 8:10 PM, the obstetrician called the nurses; he was told that the mother was not in labor and that fetal heart tones were normal. He ordered the fetal monitor discontinued.
The following morning, the obstetrician visited the patient, who had not been seen by a physician since her admission. Following this examination, he delivered the infant via cesarean. At birth, the infant had low Apgar scores, no breathing, cyanosis, and hypoxic ischemia. The child suffers from severe cerebral palsy, mental retardation, and spastic quadriplegia.
In suing, the mother claimed that hospital staff failed to alert the doctor to the fetal heart rate decelerations. She also contended that the doctor should have performed the cesarean earlier.
The hospital maintained that the nursing staff treated the patient appropriately and relayed relevant information to the doctor. Further, the monitor showed variable decelerations, indicative of umbilical cord compression, not uteroplacental insufficiency. The hospital claimed the infant’s brain injury occurred 24 to 72 hours prior to the mother’s admission.
- The jury awarded the plaintiff $20.25 million from the hospital, but returned a defense verdict for the defendant obstetrician. A high/low agreement reached during deliberations yielded $19 million from both the hospital and physician.
Was atypical preeclampsia diagnosed too late?
A 31-year-old woman at 30 weeks’ gestation presented to a hospital with abdominal pain and normal blood pressure. Emergency room personnel called the obstetrician at home, at which time the physician ordered a urinalysis.
Test results showed elevated protein, bacteria, and white blood cells. The obstetrician diagnosed a urinary tract infection, prescribed oral antibiotics, and advised the patient to return the next morning.
As she was leaving the hospital, the woman suffered a seizure and was rushed back to the emergency room. The obstetrician came to the hospital, diagnosed acute eclampsia, and treated her with magnesium sulfate. Moments later, she suffered a grand mal seizure.
The doctor performed an emergency cesarean section. The premature infant was transferred to another hospital. During and after the procedure, the woman suffered increased hemorrhaging. She died the following day.
In suing, the family claimed that the doctor should have come to the hospital upon the woman’s admission. Had he done so, he would have diagnosed preeclampsia and treated the condition immediately.
The doctor argued that the patient’s initial visit did not suggest preeclampsia. Further, he claimed the woman had developed a rare and rapidly developing form of preeclampsia that would have resulted in her death regardless of the time of diagnosis.
- The jury returned a verdict for the defense.
A 31-year-old woman at 30 weeks’ gestation presented to a hospital with abdominal pain and normal blood pressure. Emergency room personnel called the obstetrician at home, at which time the physician ordered a urinalysis.
Test results showed elevated protein, bacteria, and white blood cells. The obstetrician diagnosed a urinary tract infection, prescribed oral antibiotics, and advised the patient to return the next morning.
As she was leaving the hospital, the woman suffered a seizure and was rushed back to the emergency room. The obstetrician came to the hospital, diagnosed acute eclampsia, and treated her with magnesium sulfate. Moments later, she suffered a grand mal seizure.
The doctor performed an emergency cesarean section. The premature infant was transferred to another hospital. During and after the procedure, the woman suffered increased hemorrhaging. She died the following day.
In suing, the family claimed that the doctor should have come to the hospital upon the woman’s admission. Had he done so, he would have diagnosed preeclampsia and treated the condition immediately.
The doctor argued that the patient’s initial visit did not suggest preeclampsia. Further, he claimed the woman had developed a rare and rapidly developing form of preeclampsia that would have resulted in her death regardless of the time of diagnosis.
- The jury returned a verdict for the defense.
A 31-year-old woman at 30 weeks’ gestation presented to a hospital with abdominal pain and normal blood pressure. Emergency room personnel called the obstetrician at home, at which time the physician ordered a urinalysis.
Test results showed elevated protein, bacteria, and white blood cells. The obstetrician diagnosed a urinary tract infection, prescribed oral antibiotics, and advised the patient to return the next morning.
As she was leaving the hospital, the woman suffered a seizure and was rushed back to the emergency room. The obstetrician came to the hospital, diagnosed acute eclampsia, and treated her with magnesium sulfate. Moments later, she suffered a grand mal seizure.
The doctor performed an emergency cesarean section. The premature infant was transferred to another hospital. During and after the procedure, the woman suffered increased hemorrhaging. She died the following day.
In suing, the family claimed that the doctor should have come to the hospital upon the woman’s admission. Had he done so, he would have diagnosed preeclampsia and treated the condition immediately.
The doctor argued that the patient’s initial visit did not suggest preeclampsia. Further, he claimed the woman had developed a rare and rapidly developing form of preeclampsia that would have resulted in her death regardless of the time of diagnosis.
- The jury returned a verdict for the defense.
Improper tube placement blamed for hypoxic insult
Upon presenting to a hospital with contractions 3 to 5 minutes apart, a gravida was placed on electronic fetal monitoring. The Ob/Gyn determined she was 1 cm dilated and 50% effaced, with the fetus at minus-2 station.
Following this examination, the woman’s contractions became less frequent. The fetal-heart-rate tracing was not formally reactive. Despite the patient’s protests, the Ob/Gyn recommended she go home.
About 6 hours later the woman returned to the hospital, again with contractions 3 to 5 minutes apart. She delivered 20 minutes after her arrival. Although thick meconium was present, endotracheal suctioning was not performed. The infant demonstrated no spontaneous respirations or movements and was transferred to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Episodes of bradycardia occurred, followed by blank, unresponsive stares. The newborn was diagnosed with diffuse hypoxic insult.
Medical records failed to indicate who rendered care to the infant for 20 minutes after the neonate was removed from the delivery room. A respiratory therapy note stated that the baby was intubated prior to admission to the NICU, but indicated the tube had dislodged during transport.
The infant was reintubated 10 minutes after NICU admission. However, a chest x-ray performed 12 minutes later showed that the endotracheal tube was placed down the right mainstream bronchus; it also revealed that the left lung had collapsed. Records indicated that the endotracheal tube was not repositioned immediately and that needle aspiration to correct the pneuomthorax was not performed until after the endotracheal tube was replaced.
- The case settled for $1,225,000.
Upon presenting to a hospital with contractions 3 to 5 minutes apart, a gravida was placed on electronic fetal monitoring. The Ob/Gyn determined she was 1 cm dilated and 50% effaced, with the fetus at minus-2 station.
Following this examination, the woman’s contractions became less frequent. The fetal-heart-rate tracing was not formally reactive. Despite the patient’s protests, the Ob/Gyn recommended she go home.
About 6 hours later the woman returned to the hospital, again with contractions 3 to 5 minutes apart. She delivered 20 minutes after her arrival. Although thick meconium was present, endotracheal suctioning was not performed. The infant demonstrated no spontaneous respirations or movements and was transferred to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Episodes of bradycardia occurred, followed by blank, unresponsive stares. The newborn was diagnosed with diffuse hypoxic insult.
Medical records failed to indicate who rendered care to the infant for 20 minutes after the neonate was removed from the delivery room. A respiratory therapy note stated that the baby was intubated prior to admission to the NICU, but indicated the tube had dislodged during transport.
The infant was reintubated 10 minutes after NICU admission. However, a chest x-ray performed 12 minutes later showed that the endotracheal tube was placed down the right mainstream bronchus; it also revealed that the left lung had collapsed. Records indicated that the endotracheal tube was not repositioned immediately and that needle aspiration to correct the pneuomthorax was not performed until after the endotracheal tube was replaced.
- The case settled for $1,225,000.
Upon presenting to a hospital with contractions 3 to 5 minutes apart, a gravida was placed on electronic fetal monitoring. The Ob/Gyn determined she was 1 cm dilated and 50% effaced, with the fetus at minus-2 station.
Following this examination, the woman’s contractions became less frequent. The fetal-heart-rate tracing was not formally reactive. Despite the patient’s protests, the Ob/Gyn recommended she go home.
About 6 hours later the woman returned to the hospital, again with contractions 3 to 5 minutes apart. She delivered 20 minutes after her arrival. Although thick meconium was present, endotracheal suctioning was not performed. The infant demonstrated no spontaneous respirations or movements and was transferred to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Episodes of bradycardia occurred, followed by blank, unresponsive stares. The newborn was diagnosed with diffuse hypoxic insult.
Medical records failed to indicate who rendered care to the infant for 20 minutes after the neonate was removed from the delivery room. A respiratory therapy note stated that the baby was intubated prior to admission to the NICU, but indicated the tube had dislodged during transport.
The infant was reintubated 10 minutes after NICU admission. However, a chest x-ray performed 12 minutes later showed that the endotracheal tube was placed down the right mainstream bronchus; it also revealed that the left lung had collapsed. Records indicated that the endotracheal tube was not repositioned immediately and that needle aspiration to correct the pneuomthorax was not performed until after the endotracheal tube was replaced.
- The case settled for $1,225,000.
Surgical towel left in patient during hysterectomy
During an abdominal hysterectomy, a surgeon placed surgical towels soaked in warm saline between a 42-year-old patient’s bowels and the blades of a self-retaining retractor. Following surgery, the woman returned home without any problems.
Several weeks later, the patient experienced pain and cramping. A diagnostic workup was conducted, along with abdominal exploratory surgery. A 12-cm mass, later identified as a surgical towel, was discovered attached to the anterior abdominal wall.
In suing, the patient claimed the operating room staff was negligent in failing to count the surgical towels following the procedure.
The physician contended that he had inquired about the towel count and the nurses had accounted for all the towels used. The nurses argued that counting surgical towels is not routine, since towels are not designed to be placed inside an incision. Unlike surgical sponges, surgical towels do not contain a radiopaque thread or tape; as a result, they are indiscernible by x-ray if a count is incorrect.
- The case settled for $100,000.
During an abdominal hysterectomy, a surgeon placed surgical towels soaked in warm saline between a 42-year-old patient’s bowels and the blades of a self-retaining retractor. Following surgery, the woman returned home without any problems.
Several weeks later, the patient experienced pain and cramping. A diagnostic workup was conducted, along with abdominal exploratory surgery. A 12-cm mass, later identified as a surgical towel, was discovered attached to the anterior abdominal wall.
In suing, the patient claimed the operating room staff was negligent in failing to count the surgical towels following the procedure.
The physician contended that he had inquired about the towel count and the nurses had accounted for all the towels used. The nurses argued that counting surgical towels is not routine, since towels are not designed to be placed inside an incision. Unlike surgical sponges, surgical towels do not contain a radiopaque thread or tape; as a result, they are indiscernible by x-ray if a count is incorrect.
- The case settled for $100,000.
During an abdominal hysterectomy, a surgeon placed surgical towels soaked in warm saline between a 42-year-old patient’s bowels and the blades of a self-retaining retractor. Following surgery, the woman returned home without any problems.
Several weeks later, the patient experienced pain and cramping. A diagnostic workup was conducted, along with abdominal exploratory surgery. A 12-cm mass, later identified as a surgical towel, was discovered attached to the anterior abdominal wall.
In suing, the patient claimed the operating room staff was negligent in failing to count the surgical towels following the procedure.
The physician contended that he had inquired about the towel count and the nurses had accounted for all the towels used. The nurses argued that counting surgical towels is not routine, since towels are not designed to be placed inside an incision. Unlike surgical sponges, surgical towels do not contain a radiopaque thread or tape; as a result, they are indiscernible by x-ray if a count is incorrect.
- The case settled for $100,000.