‘Laura’, 45

Laura underwent surgery to remove her gallbladder however an injury occurred leaving her in significant pain and requiring more invasive surgery.

Claire Boardman took on the case and was able to secure £300,000 to help Laura receive treatment for her psychological distress and financial losses resulting from the medical negligence.

Read Laura's story:

Gallstones diagnosis and operation

Laura suffered from upper gastro intestinal symptoms including sharp abdominal pain which interfered with her sleep, so she underwent several reviews and tests.

An ultrasound scan showed gallstones, so was offered a laparoscopic cholecystectomy, a minimally invasive surgery to remove the gallbladder.

Persistent pain following operation

Following the operation Laura complained of abdominal pain, however despite ongoing pain she was keen to go home and was discharged from hospital that afternoon. Once home she experienced severe sharp pain in her stomach, nausea and a headache.

She contacted her GP complaining of significant abdominal pain, and further symptoms of constipation and feeling hot and cold. She attended A&E and was suspected to have post-op ileus, which is common after abdominal surgery.

An urgent CT angiogram of her abdomen and pelvis was done, which showed significant free fluid, likely to be caused by bile leakage from an iatrogenic injury and the cause of the pain.

Complex operation needed

It was advised to wash out the abdomen and proceed depending on the findings. After performing a laparoscopy and washout for biliary peritonitis, which is a life threatening medical emergency, it seemed apparent that Laura had suffered a high bile duct injury, for which the operation had to be converted to open.

A complex surgical procedure, roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy, was completed to repair the injury and restore biliary drainage.

JMW’s investigation

Laura contacted JMW after she had been made aware that an injury had occurred during her laparoscopic cholecystectomy causing her significant pain and leaving her needing a more invasive operation.

Claire Boardman took on the case and established that during the first procedure the surgeon mistook the common duct for the cystic duct.

The medical team failed to consider the possibility of a laparoscopic complication and arrange a review, given Laura’s persistent post-operative pain.

Due to this Laura required a biliary reconstruction and a large abdominal scar also resulted due to the need to convert to open surgery. Laura also required an extended hospital stay and was exposed to post operative pain and a period of prolonged drainage from the biliary leak.

She continues to suffer from abdominal cramps and urgency when she requires a bowel movement, which has affected her social interactions.

Settlement secured

Claire was able to secure £300,000 for Laura which will help recover loss of earnings whilst she was unable to work and receive therapy to help with anxiety and depression, following her experience. As well as allowing for future provision should complications arise and treatment be required in the future because of the surgical error.