Keyhole involves the use of a specialised instrument called a laparoscope, which is a thin, flexible tube equipped with a camera and light source at the end. The laparoscope is inserted through one or several incisions, allowing the surgeon to view the internal organs on a video monitor in real-time. Other surgical instruments are then inserted through additional small incisions to perform the necessary procedures.
Whether used for the purpose of diagnosing a patient, or for an actual surgery, keyhole methods are designed to be both minimally invasive and efficient. However, when there is avoidable harm caused by healthcare professionals during, prior to, or after this procedure, then then could potentially have a claim for compensation.
Keyhole surgery may also be necessary to help diagnose or undertake surgery on matters like:
- Appendicitis
- Gallstones
- Investigation of internal complaints
- Endometriosis
- Ectopic pregnancy
- Ovarian cysts
- Fibroids
What can happen when Keyhole surgery goes wrong?
Keyhole surgery offers several advantages over traditional open surgery, however like any surgery there can be errors and complications which cause injuries including:
- Injury to surrounding organs or tissues: The limited view and manoeuvrability of instruments in keyhole surgery may increase the risk of unintentional damage to nearby structures. Surgeons cutting too deep causing a puncture or perforation and damages other internal tissues can be another issue. Perforation is a recognised risk of keyhole surgery but many injuries are caused by negligence and heavy handedness. Damage to the bowel, bladder and blood vessels often through use of electro surgery to coagulate, cut and dissect.
- Bleeding: Although keyhole surgery typically involves less bleeding than open surgery, excessive bleeding can still occur and may require further intervention.
- Infection: Although the risk of infection is lower compared to open surgery, it is still present, particularly at the incision sites.
- Adverse reactions to anaesthesia: Some individuals may experience allergic reactions or other complications related to anaesthesia administration.
- Blood clots and excessive bleeding: Prolonged immobility during and after surgery can increase the risk of developing blood clots in the legs (deep vein thrombosis) or lungs (pulmonary embolism). Sometimes, a blood vessel may be ruptured during a keyhole surgery causing a haemorrhage to occur. The symptoms of blood loss may only arise hours after the surgery has taken place. While blood loss after a surgery is considered normal, the healthcare team should still closely monitor a patient to check for signs of abnormal blood loss. Failure to do so could be deemed as keyhole surgery negligence.
- Hernia: In some cases, the incisions made during keyhole surgery may weaken the abdominal wall, increasing the risk of hernia formation.
- Conversion to open surgery: In certain situations, such as difficulty visualising or accessing the surgical site, the surgeon may need to convert to open surgery to safely complete the procedure.
- Communication: When healthcare professionals neglect to call for a specialist to deal with a particular keyhole surgery, and avoidable harm is caused as a result, then this could also be a case of keyhole surgery negligence.
- Insufficient monitoring: After an operation, patients should be monitored closely as certain complications may only reveal themselves post-surgery, and patients are typically more vulnerable to infection during this time.
- Follow up care: Lack of medication or procedural follow up could result in conditions developing which are not caught quickly enough.
- Incorrect Diagnosis: But when a surgeon carries out keyhole surgery on a patient for this reason and makes an incorrect diagnosis, or fails to diagnose a condition at all (despite evidence of their condition being visible) and any further treatment given to the patient could be incorrect. The suffering with their actual condition may be even longer and could delay recovery time or even, in severe cases, be life threatening for the patient.
Navigating life following injury
There are several compelling reasons to consider pursuing a compensation claim for injury:
- Financial relief: Medical bills, rehabilitation costs, assistance products, therapy and ongoing care for keyhole negligence can be significant. A successful compensation claim can help you cover these expenses, ensuring you receive the best possible treatment and support.
- Loss of income: negligence can result in temporary or permanent disability, affecting your ability to work and earn a living. Compensation can provide financial stability in such situations. Pension also requires to be considered.
- Rehabilitation and therapy: Ongoing rehabilitation and therapy is often necessary for negligence patients to regain their quality of life. Compensation can cover these vital services.
- Pain and suffering: Negligence can lead to immense physical and emotional suffering. Pursuing a compensation claim can help address the pain and suffering you or your loved one has endured. Injury to your psychological wellbeing also needs considered.
- Holding responsible parties accountable: If your injury resulted from the negligence or intentional actions of another party, seeking compensation is a way to hold them accountable and prevent similar incidents in the future.
Compensation Routes
We offer a free initial consultation to evaluate your case and discuss your legal options. Let us help you hold those responsible accountable for their actions. Our solicitors understand the complex and long-lasting challenges posed by negligence.
There are time scales and you should contact us as soon as possible to investigate an action for you
Your well-being is our priority, and we are committed to providing you with the legal representation you need during this challenging time.
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Get in touch, we are here to provide not only expert legal guidance but also an understanding of the physical, emotional, and financial challenges you face. Together, we will work towards securing the compensation you deserve.
