Bowel Perforated During Laparoscopic Surgery

Verdict: Not Guilty

Date: February 2011

County: Cook

PLTF Medical: Dr. David J. Piazza

PLTF Experts: Dr. Jeffrey P. Snow (Colorectal Surgeon) DEF Experts: Dr. Thomas Stovall (Ob/Gyn)

Summary: Defendant OBGYN performed laparoscopic surgery with lysis of adhesions on Plaintiff causing her to sustain a perforation of her small bowel, which was not diagnosed until 3 days later. As a result, Plaintiff underwent 2 additional surgeries including colon resection to repair the bowel perforation, fistula, and further adhesions. Defense argued that the bowel injury was a recognized risk and complication of the surgery and that Defendant used standard of care.