Bowel surgery negligence: When can I make a claim? 

Published: 18/07/2023

Bowel resection surgery, also known as a colectomy or colorectal surgery, is a common operation in the UK. It is commonly associated with conditions such as bowel cancer, Crohn's disease, diverticular disease or ulcerative colitis.

Pain following colorectal surgery could be due to discomfort during the recovery period, unavoidable complications or bowel injury caused by medical negligence. If you've suffered personal injury after bowel surgery, solicitors can help you find out whether you are entitled to compensation.

What are the common types of bowel surgery, and who may need it?

Although bowel surgery is more commonly associated with cancer, there are many other reasons you may require a colectomy. The surgery involves removing all or part of the large bowel and then attaching the two healthy parts of the bowel to one another. The procedure can either be done via keyhole surgery or open surgery.

• Total Colectomy: This is the removal of your large bowel
• Proctocolectomy: This is the removal of your large bowel and rectum
• Hemicolectomy: This is the removal of either the left or right side of your bowel
• Transverse Colectomy: This is the removal of the middle of your bowel

Not only is bowel surgery used to treat bowel cancer, or colon cancer, but it can also be used to treat infections, bleeding in the intestines, intestinal blockages, diverticulitis, precancerous polyps and bowel inflammation (ulcerative colitis). The typical recovery period for bowel surgery is around six weeks. Keyhole surgery tends to heal much quicker than open surgery.

What complications can follow bowel surgery?

Following bowel surgery, it's common to experience discomfort. It can take up to six weeks before you start feeling normal again, and even then, there will be some restrictions on your usual lifestyle until the bowel is fully healed. Occasionally there are complications; some are unavoidable, but other complications, such as bowel perforation, maybe due to medical negligence. Just before you contact a solicitor and find out if you can make a claim, here are some of the common complications of bowel surgery:

Anastomotic leak

Bowel surgery involves removing the diseased part of the bowel and connecting the healthy ends together. Sometimes this new connection can leak, causing abdominal pain and a high temperature. You may need to be admitted to hospital for further treatment.

Paralysis of the bowel

If you feel bloated, are vomiting and/or have any difficulty with your bowel movements, it could be caused by paralysis of the bowel. This is usually a temporary symptom, but if it isn't getting any better, you may need to return to hospital where you will be treated with fluids.

Nerve damage

Nerve damage after surgery can lead to loss of sensation, and you could struggle to control your bladder, leading and incontinence.

Blood clots

Blood clots can develop due to a lack of movement. This can lead to deep vein thrombosis.

Colostomy bag

A colostomy bag is usually required while your intestines heal, although in some cases it can be permanent. The need for a colostomy bag varies from person to person. If you believe your complications have arisen due to surgical negligence, you should seek legal advice from a qualified solicitor.

How can I identify medical negligence after bowel surgery?

Although certain complications are common, they could still be caused by medical negligence. There are various instances where medical negligence is identifiable, such as:

Bowel Perforation

If your bowel was cut or injured where it should not have been, you may have a bowel perforation. This can lead to the content of your digestive system leaking into the surrounding areas of your bowel. This is commonly due to surgical error and can also happen outside of colorectal surgery. Instances where your bowel could have been accidentally cut include during a caesarean section or hysterectomy. These cases of perforated bowels occur due to clinical negligence.

Misdiagnosis

Misdiagnosis can occur due to medical malpractice. Perhaps you were misdiagnosed with bowel cancer or bowel obstruction. In these cases, you should not have had surgery in the first place.

Infection

You could suffer from an infection after the surgery. Has a wound become infected, or do you have a surgical site infection? This could be down to negligence.

Not being aware of the risks

If the risks of post-surgery were not explained to you and now you are suffering life-changing consequences, this is negligence on the part of the medical professional.

You can find out more about the various issues surrounding medical negligence on our website.

How can I make a claim of clinical negligence following bowel surgery?

In order to take the necessary steps to make a medical negligence claim, you should first contact a solicitor to discuss your case. Solicitors will investigate and advise if negligence has taken place and when compensation is due. Personal injury can be life-changing, but medical negligence can also be life-threatening. A solicitor will be able to give you advice and start gathering the evidence required to make a claim.

How can a medical negligence solicitors' firm like Wake Smith help me?

It is critical to seek expert legal advice following medical negligence. Wake Smith can help you take the next steps in making a claim. The expertise of our medical negligence solicitors has already helped countless clients claim compensation. If you feel you are the victim of bowel injury, contact Wake Smith to start making a claim today.

Common queries

Can you sue for a perforated bowel?

If you have suffered perforated bowel or any severe consequences due to medical negligence, you could be entitled to compensation. In order to claim compensation, you need to contact a solicitor and start gathering evidence.

How much could I claim for failed bowel surgery?

How much you could receive all depends on the severity of your case. As each case differs, it is important to contact a solicitor regarding how much you can claim for failed bowel surgery.

How long do I have to claim for negligent bowel surgery?

Claims must be made within three years of the alleged medical negligence, or from the day you suspected you may be suffering from the consequences of medical malpractice. Please speak to a solicitor at Wake Smith for more information.

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