Claire Levene
Solicitor
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Solicitor | Medical Negligence
Medical Negligence – Gallbladder Surgery
Surgical errors during gallbladder surgery can cause serious injury, often requiring further corrective operations or procedures to repair the damage. If the harm was avoidable, it may be possible to pursue a medical negligence claim for compensation.
Understanding the Gallbladder and Common Issues
The gallbladder is a small, pouch-like organ located in the upper right area of the abdomen. It stores bile, a fluid produced by the liver that helps digest fatty foods. Although the gallbladder plays a role in digestion, it is not essential, and people can live without it. For this reason, gallbladder removal surgery (cholecystectomy) is commonly recommended when issues arise.
Gallstones can develop within the gallbladder. These are often harmless and may not cause symptoms. However, in some cases, gallstones can block the bile duct, preventing bile from flowing properly. This can lead to cholecystitis — inflammation and irritation of the gallbladder — which may cause severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and jaundice. When this occurs, surgery to remove the gallbladder is often advised.
Gallbladder Removal (Cholecystectomy)
Cholecystectomy is a routine operation and is generally successful in relieving symptoms. However, complications can arise, and when they do, the outcomes can be serious and, in some cases, life-changing.
Most surgeons today are trained to perform laparoscopic cholecystectomy which is a keyhole technique involving several small incisions, rather than traditional open surgery, which involves a single larger incision.
Open procedures are now rarely used, except in exceptional or emergency situations.
Common Surgical Errors in Gallbladder Operations
In our experience, one of the most common mistakes made during gallbladder surgery involves misidentification of the anatomy, particularly the bile ducts, blood vessels, and nearby structures. If the wrong duct or vessel is cut, it can cause significant harm, such as:
- Cutting off blood supply to part of the liver
- Allowing bile to leak into the abdominal cavity
- Causing infection or internal bleeding
These complications can be made worse by a delay in recognising that an error has occurred during surgery.
Examples of Cases We Have Handled
Our specialist legal team has acted for clients who have suffered harm due to surgical negligence during laparoscopic gallbladder removal. These have included:
- Emergency surgery to repair initial damage
- Major bile duct reconstruction procedures
- Permanent liver damage requiring transplant
- Life-threatening sepsis requiring intensive care
Making a Claim for Gallbladder Surgery Negligence
If you have experienced complications following gallbladder surgery and believe a mistake was made, you may be entitled to seek compensation.
Our medical negligence solicitors are highly experienced in dealing with complex surgical error claims. We can assess your case, obtain expert medical evidence, and guide you through the entire process, ensuring you get the support and compensation you deserve.
Contact us today to discuss your situation in confidence.
0151 306 3694 Submit an online enquiry