If you have suffered a serious injury following an instance of general surgery medical negligence, contact the highly experienced team of solicitors at Lanyon Bowdler. We can assist you in the event you wish to complain or seek compensation, providing expert legal advice and guidance.
To make initial enquiries regarding a general surgery medical negligence claim, please contact Kay Kelly, Head of Clinical Negligence or one of her team on 0800 954 9936.
What is General Surgery?
The general surgeon is involved in all aspects of surgery, and is typically responsible for the treatment of patients with emergency conditions. Over recent years general surgery has been divided into a large number of subspecialties, thus general surgeons may be responsible for carrying out procedures in any of the following areas:
- Cardiac
- Cosmetic
- Gastroenterology
- Gynaecology
- Neurosurgery
- Vascular
- Keyhole, Laparoscopic surgery
Keyhole surgery in particular is vulnerable to general surgical negligence, as the initial insertion of the camera is performed blind, endangering vital organs.
The procedure was pioneered eight years ago and has been heralded as the future of medicine. However the Royal College of Surgeons admits that keyhole surgery was introduced too quickly and without proper regulations, and last year issued guidelines on its use.
Common Injuries Resulting from Negligent General Surgery
Compensation claims resulting from negligent surgery often relate to:
- Damage to internal organs
- Poor results from surgery
- Damage to nerves during the surgery
- Retention of instruments
- Unnecessary surgical procedure
- Anaesthetic awareness
- Failure to gain necessary consent
The need to gain consent is enshrined in law, as well as being a central aspect of most professional codes of ethics. Patients must be given a thorough explanation of what is involved in the surgery itself, the risks involved in going ahead or not going ahead with the proposed treatment, and information about alternatives to general surgery procedures.
When giving consent, the patient's decision must be voluntary and not subject to coercion. Failure to obtain consent is considered an extremely grave matter. If consent has not been obtained and the patient is harmed, that patient is eligible to sue the practitioner for medical negligence (for not gaining adequate consent).
If the patient has not been given any information, or has been treated against their express wishes, they can sue the practitioner for battery (for not gaining consent at all).
Contact Lanyon Bowdler
For more information about making a compensation claim following an instance of general surgery medical negligence, contact the team of experienced solicitors at Lanyon Bowdler.
For a free consultation call 0800 954 9936 or complete our enquiry form.