Ovary Removal Caused Surgical Menopause

Verdict: Not Guilty

Date: December 2010

County: Cook

PLTF Experts: Dr. Luis Keith (Ob/Gyn)

DEF Experts: Dr. Howard Arof (Ob/Gyn) and Dr. Margaret Pfister (Ob/Gyn)

Summary: Plaintiff underwent laparoscopic surgery and a right oophorectomy at West Suburban Hospital. She was discharged from hospital despite a drop in her hemoglobin levels. She returned to the hospital the next day were intra-abdominal bleeding was diagnosed. She underwent a total hysterectomy and left oophorectomy. Plaintiff contended that Defendants were negligent in failing to timely diagnose the postop intra-abdominal bleed and hemoperitoneum. She claimed the removal of the left ovary caused her to suffer surgical menopause. Defense asserted removal of the left ovary was appropriate and within the standard of care based on its appearance of abnormality with possible endometriosis during the laparoscopic surgery.

Category: Medical Malpractice