Why Medical Malpractice Could be the Cause of a Colonoscopy Injury
If you experienced injury during or after a colonoscopy, medical malpractice may be involved. This could entitle you to financial compensation through a personal injury claim. It’s important to understand how negligence can lead to medical malpractice.
What is a colonoscopy?
A colonoscopy is a medical procedure using a small camera to examine the colon. The camera, called a colonoscope, is inserted through the rectum. It checks for changes in the colon’s lining, such as growths, tumors, inflammation, or bleeding. These changes may indicate the presence of cancer or other abnormalities. The colon is responsible for eliminating waste from the body through feces. A colonoscopy can detect existing abnormalities or damage caused by cancerous cells or ulcers. Typically, individuals above 45, those with a family history of bowel conditions, and those with certain symptoms or cancer diagnosis undergo colonoscopies.
Colorectal Injury Explained
Injuries from medical errors that can occur during a routine colonoscopy include but are not limited to:
- Perforation – In some cases, the doctor performing the colonoscopy may puncture holes into your gastrointestinal tract.
- Bowel lacerations – A surgeon may have unintentionally cut the walls of your colon due to using a scope that is either too large or has been improperly designed for use.
- Over-sedation – This occurs when you are given excess amounts of anesthesia, leading to respiratory distress or even death.
Causes of Colorectal Injury
If you had injuries during your colonoscopy that were not attributed to existing medical problems, your surgeon likely committed some form of medical malpractice. This type of negligence can occur for several reasons, including:
- A surgeon who does not use the appropriate sized scope during the procedure.
- A surgeon that leaves behind pieces of equipment such as forceps or gloves inside your body.
- The use of an overly-large scope which may cause severe damage to your internal organs and tissues, leading to bowel perforation.
Colonoscopy Injury due to Medical Malpractice? You May Have a Case for Compensation
Injuries from a colonoscopy are rare, but they can happen. Though it is important to understand how medical malpractice can occur from negligence, it is also integral to know what steps need to be taken to pursue compensation on your behalf. Contact one of our experienced medical malpractice lawyers by locating one here at Medical Malpractice Universe if you have sustained injuries during a colonoscopy.