Woman Dies After Three Failed Attempts to Remove Bile Duct Stones

Verdict: Not Guilty

Date: October 2010

County: Lake

PLTF Medical: Dr. Robert Hirschtick (Internist)

PLTF Experts: Dr. Ian Newmark (Pulmonologist)

DEF Experts: Dr. Michael Uzer (Gastroenterologist) and Dr. William G. Soden (Anesthesiologist)

Summary: Ms. Brown was admitted to Northwestern Memorial Hospital with complaints of back pain and a history of kidney problems, dialysis, hypertension, pulmonary emboli, and bile duct stones. Ms. Brown was diagnosed with bile duct stones. A gastroenterologist employed by the hospital attempted three times to remove the stones. On the third attempt, Ms. Brown arrested and coded. The estate contended that Dr. Alasadi over-sedated the patient causing her to go into to respiratory failure. The defense contended that Ms. Brown required higher amounts of sedation due to a history of substance abuse. In addition, the defense stated that Ms. Brown had been given the same amount of sedation in the two previous attempts to remove the stones. Defense further stated that the death was due to pulmonary emboli and other factors and not the care rendered.

Category: Medical Malpractice, Wrongful Death