In Cheyenne, Wyoming, seeking the advice of a qualified attorney after having complications from gallbladder surgery can be beneficial. From medical malpractice and product liability suits, to insurance claims and seeking other forms of compensation, having access to a highly experienced lawyer who understands the nuances of Wyoming’s laws can make all the difference in achieving justice.

At Olson Personal Injury Lawyers, we take pride in providing expert legal counsel, compassion, and support. We understand the unique challenges gallbladder surgery cases present and are here to guide you every step of the way. 

With customized advice tailored to your specific needs, we ensure that our clients receive the highest chances possible of obtaining the compensation they need. By choosing us as your Gallbladder Surgery Attorney in Cheyenne, you can rest assured knowing that you’ll have complete peace of mind throughout this difficult process. 

Schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with an experienced Cheyenne gallbladder surgery malpractice attorney today when you call 307-317-6779 or contact us online.

What is Gallbladder Surgery?

Gallbladder surgery, also known as cholecystectomy, is a procedure that involves the removal of an organ found in the digestive system. 

The gallbladder helps break down and store bile for digestion. It is commonly removed when disease or infection is present. This type of surgery may also treat blockages within the gallbladder, reduce cholesterol levels, lessen symptoms of indigestion, or remove gallstones. 

During a gallbladder removal procedure, a surgeon makes small incisions in the abdominal area and uses special surgical instruments to separate the gallbladder from its surrounding organs before removing it entirely. Gallbladder surgery is usually performed as an outpatient procedure, and patients may go home on the same day if there are no complications. In most cases, complete recovery takes several weeks or months following treatment.

Despite the high rate of success with this surgery, there can be a host of common complications that put the patient’s health and safety at risk.

Gallbladder Surgery Complications

Gallbladder surgery is a commonly performed procedure in Cheyenne, but it is also associated with certain complications. The most common of these are scarring and infection at the incision site. 

It is also possible for other organs or tissues to be damaged during the procedure due to errors made in surgical technique or improper use of tools. Excessive bleeding and fluid buildup may also occur, requiring a quick resolution to protect vital organs like the heart from damage.

Along with potential long-term problems with digestion leading to blockages in the intestinal tract, other issues such as numbness, weakness, and paralysis of affected areas may arise following gallbladder surgery. Many will generally fade over time, but they can nevertheless leave a lasting impact, with excess treatment costs as well as lost income earning potential.

Anesthetic reactions are another potential complication that should be monitored closely by medical staff before, during, and after a procedure. A reaction may lead to serious discomfort, complications with organ functioning, or even death in some cases.

While most gallbladder surgeries go smoothly without any negative side effects or complications, understanding the risks involved can help patients make informed decisions about their course of treatment. Further, the routine nature of the surgery can cause many providers to take unnecessary risks, often eschewing standards of care in favor of quick treatment.  Sometimes, treating surgeons and attending physicians may overlook symptoms of complications resulting from an expectation that these surgeries are “easy” to perform successfully and rarely have side effects, a form of all-too-common cognitive bias in the medical field.

The American College of Surgeons has reported that one gallbladder surgery patient in every thousand passes away due to complications. While laparoscopic gallbladder surgery typically reduces recovery time to 2-3 days, traditional techniques can require up to 6 weeks for full healing. Should you experience any of the below, be sure to contact your doctor immediately.

Gallbladder surgery complications in Cheyenne can include:

  1. Scarring and infection of the incision site — Occurs when bacteria or other pathogens enter the wound during or after surgery, leading to local inflammation and tissue damage.
  2. Damage to other organs or tissues during the procedure — Errors in surgical technique or improper use of surgical tools can lead to unintentional damage to adjacent organs, vessels, and/or other delicate structures within the abdominal cavity.
  3. Excessive bleeding and fluid buildup — Too much blood loss during surgery can lead to oxygen deprivation in affected tissues, while increased accumulation of excess fluids can put unexpected stress on vital organs like the heart.
  4. Post-operative pain and discomfort — Pain and tenderness at the site of incision are common following a gallbladder operation and may persist for several weeks afterward.
  5. Development of an abscess or collection of pus near the surgical area — Uncontrolled infections may spread through the abdominal cavity, forming localized pockets of pus that require drainage for resolution.
  6. Numbness, weakness, and paralysis in the affected area — Nerves may become injured from excessive handling during surgery, causing temporary or even permanent sensations of numbness, tingling, or paralysis immediately following the procedure or showing up weeks or sometimes months later.
  7. Long-term problems with digestion, including potential blockages in the intestinal tract — The removal of certain parts of gallbladder anatomy used for digestion can lead to difficulty absorbing food resulting from an impairedpoor breaking down process, as well as permanent blockages due to scarring from surgery.
  8. Potential for adverse reactions to anesthesia used during the procedure — Anesthetics such as lidocaine, epinephrine, fentanyl, etc., are used to manage pain levels, but if not properly monitored can lead to serious reactions, such as breathing problems or death.

The Causes of Malpractice in Gallbladder Surgery

Gallbladder surgery is a common procedure performed by surgeons in the Cheyenne, WY area. However, like any medical procedure, there are risks associated with gallbladder surgery that can result in severe damage to the patient including suffering, organ dysfunction, and death. 

Any time a medical services provider deviates from the standard of care in a way that results in damages to a patient, they may be considered liable for malpractice. The most common causes of malpractice with gallbladder surgery in Cheyenne include:

Misdiagnosis or Failure to Diagnose

One of the most common causes of malpractice with gallbladder surgery is misdiagnosis or a failure to fully and accurately diagnose a patient’s condition prior to the operation. It is important for doctors to properly diagnose a patient’s condition before performing any type of surgery so that they can determine the best course of action for treatment. If a doctor fails to properly diagnose a patient’s condition prior to performing gallbladder surgery, they may be held liable for any damages that occur during or after the procedure.

Infection During Surgery

Another cause of malpractice with gallbladder surgery is infection during the procedure. This can occur when proper sterilization techniques are not used, or surgical tools are not properly cleaned before being used on patients. Infections caused by improper sterilization techniques can lead to serious complications and even death, if not treated promptly and correctly. Additionally, infections caused by improper cleaning techniques can lead to long-term health issues, as well as additional financial costs related to further medical treatments required due to the infection. 

Failure to Obtain Informed Consent

Finally, another cause of malpractice with gallbladder surgeries is failure to obtain informed consent from patients prior to performing the procedure. Doctors must ensure that their patients are fully informed about all possible risks associated with a particular procedure before undergoing it. 

If a doctor fails to inform their patient about potential risks and complications related to the operation and something goes wrong during or after it, they may be held liable for any damages resulting from it. 

How to Respond When You Suspect Gallbladder Surgery Malpractice

If you or a loved one has been injured due to medical malpractice related to gallbladder surgery, it is wise to take steps to protect your legal rights. You may be entitled to financial compensation for your losses. A malpractice lawsuit settlement can pay for the treatments needed as a result of the malpractice, compensate you for unneeded suffering, and enable you to recover lost wages or other forms of income missed due to complications and an extended healing process.

The following are five steps you should take if you think you have a gallbladder surgery malpractice case in Cheyenne, WY:

Step 1: Contact an Experienced Malpractice Lawyer

The first step is to contact an experienced medical malpractice attorney who can evaluate the facts of your case and determine whether you have a valid claim. Hiring a knowledgeable lawyer with experience handling gallbladder surgery cases will also ensure that you receive the best possible outcome from your case. It can also help you avoid common mistakes resulting from failing to gather evidence or delaying notice to providers regarding possible complications.

Step 2: Document Your Injuries

Documenting your injuries is important because it will help support any claims of medical negligence that you make against the responsible parties. Keep track of all medical bills, lost wages, and other costs associated with the injury or illness caused by the alleged malpractice. You should also keep copies of pertinent documents, such as doctor’s notes and lab results, that could help prove your case.

Step 3: Gather Evidence

Gathering evidence is essential when pursuing any legal claim, especially one related to medical malpractice. Beneficial evidence includes gathering documents relevant to the case, such as hospital records, laboratory reports, and other documentation related to the treatment received before or after the procedure. It’s also important to collect witness statements from anyone who may have witnessed the incident in question or has knowledge that might help determine whether medical negligence occurred.

Step 4: File a Claim With the Appropriate Insurance Company

If you think that you may have a valid claim for medical malpractice related to gallbladder surgery, it’s important that you file a claim with the most-appropriate insurance company as soon as possible so they can begin investigating the matter and processing your claim for compensation. You may wish to notify your own health insurer before filing a claim with the malpractice insurance carrier for your particular healthcare provider. Filing promptly ensures that all pertinent information about the incident can be obtained while it is still fresh in everyone’s minds, and it allows for a more thorough investigation into what took place before and during the procedure at issue. 

Step 5: File a Lawsuit Against Responsible Parties

If all else fails and no resolution can be reached through negotiations with insurance companies and other parties involved in the case, then filing suit against those responsible may be necessary to obtain justice for yourself or your loved ones. An experienced personal injury lawyer in Cheyenne can help guide you through this process so that you get maximum compensation for any damages incurred due to their negligence or recklessness.

Suffered an Injury During Gallbladder Surgery?

Gallbladder surgery is a very common and fairly routine surgery, however, as with any surgery, there can be complications that may give rise to a claim for medical malpractice. 

If you or someone you love has suffered an injury from gallbladder surgery, call today at 307-317-6779 or contact a gallbladder surgery malpractice attorney from our website. Our experienced Wyoming medical malpractice lawyers will review your case and help you determine if you have a compensation claim.