Bladder Damage during Hysterectomy

Accidental injury to some part of the urinary tract during hysterectomy is not uncommon. It occurs most often when the normal anatomy is grossly distorted due to cancer or other types of pelvic disease, such as endometriosis.

The uterus is anatomically very close to the urinary tract and damage to the bladder and ureters is sometimes unavoidable during difficult surgery. However, damage should always be recognised and immediately remedied, and many claims result from a failure to recognise the symptoms of a perforated bladder or an obstructed ureter rather than from incompetent or careless surgical technique.

The bladder lies immediately in front of the uterus and the two have to be peeled apart before the uterus can be removed. It is during this process that damage most commonly occurs. It can also sometimes occur whilst opening the abdomen, particularly if there have been previous Caesarean sections as there may be only a very thin layer of scar tissue separating the two cavities.

JMW clinical negligence solicitors offer free initial advice on clinical and medical negligence claims. If you believe that you or any member of your family have a potential claim then let us assess your case. You can rest assure that we will deal with your enquiry without any initial cost or obligation. We are able to deal with cases using public funding (formerly Legal Aid) or no win no fee in appropriate cases.

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