Usually when someone is diagnosed with gallbladder disease, surgery to remove the gallbladder is necessary. Today, gallbladder surgery is most often performed laparoscopically, or through the use of minimally invasive techniques involving microscopic cameras and instruments inserted through very small incisions. It is rare today the gallbladder surgery will be performed, at least initially, using the “open” technique involving a large incision in the abdomen.

While laparoscopic gallbladder surgery is a major medical advancement, resulting in less pain and quicker recovery time, it can and does have major risks. Laparoscopic gallbladder surgery is a frequent subject of medical malpractice litigation. In order to evaluate and properly prepare and prosecute these cases, it is necessary that your attorney know and understand the surgery and the gallbladder anatomy.

Common problems occur when a surgeon fails to completely dissect out the gallbladder and surrounding biliary structures and ends up cutting the wrong structure. These mistakes can lead to severe injuries including infection, peritonitis and death. Even if the mistake is caught, the resulting fix often causes problems for the patient down the line and malpractice litigation should be considered.

Other common problems include perforations to the bowel or bladder. Again, these can result in peritonitis, infection and, in some cases, death. Failure to timely diagnose and treat these injuries can lead to increased risk of permanent injury or death to the patient.

Contact Gallbladder Surgical Malpractice Lawyer Todd Hendrickson Today

Todd N. Hendrickson, medical malpractice lawyer, has investigated and successfully prosecuted numerous gallbladder cases through the years. If you or a loved one has had an unexpected outcome or injury following gallbladder surgery, you should call for a free consultation. While every post-surgery complication is not negligence, you should call and discuss your case with an experienced medical malpractice attorney.