Mistakes Made During Gallbladder Removal

Background

Mrs B was admitted for cholecystectomy. During the surgery, her surgeon transected the common bile duct having mistaken it for the cystic duct. The error was identified when further adhesions were dissected. The cystic duct is described in the operation note as having been “short and high”.

The surgery was abandoned, and Mrs B was transferred by ambulance to another hospital. A bile duct repair and gallbladder removal were carried out the following day.

Her surgical negligence claim was pursued on the basis that during the cholecystectomy, the surgeon failed to dissect around the gallbladder neck before clipping and dividing the duct. This amounted to inadequate surgical technique. The damage to the duct led to the need for open surgery rather than laparoscopic surgery and a significantly extended recovery period.

Furthermore, Mrs B is now at risk of biliary stricture and requires regular liver function tests. She is also at risk of small bowel obstruction.

Settlement

The Defendant admitted breach of duty and causation in their protocol Letter of Response and the claim was settled for £45,000 prior to the issue of proceedings, with £20,000 representing special damages.

This case was led by Corrina Mottram.

NOTE: While our case studies are designed to give an indication of the outcomes that can be achieved in these circumstances, the compensation awarded in individual cases can vary significantly due to a range of factors, including effects on life expectancy, the severity of the medical negligence that took place, and the financial impact.