Rectal wall injured during hysterectomy

A Virginia woman underwent a laparascopic-assisted vaginal hysterectomy in 2007 performed by her gynecologist. Three days later, the woman required emergency surgery.

The woman sued the gynecologist who performed the original surgery, claiming that the physician had used material from the anterior rectal wall rather than peritoneal tissue to repair the vaginal cuff after the removal of the uterus. As a result, the patient incurred lacerations and injuries to the anterior rectal wall and rectum.

Although the gynecologist denied any negligence in performing the operation, a $3 million verdict was returned.

In this case, posttrial motions are expected to be filed, and the cap on damages would decrease the patient's final recovery.

Ms Collins is an attorney specializing in medical malpractice in Long Beach, California. Send your feedback about this column to contemporaryobgyn_advanstar_com