More and more Americans are turning to various forms of bariatric surgery as a way of losing a substantial amount of weight. The most common types of bariatric surgery are lap band and gastric bypass procedures. While both are very effective at reducing caloric intake and helping significantly overweight patients to shed tremendous amount of weight, there are risk involved that, when combined with substandard care by a surgeon, can lead to potentially life threatening injury.
Complications During Surgery
As in any surgical procedure, there is always a risk of the surgeon making an error that can cause serious damage to internal organs and/or the nervous system. An overworked, fatigued surgeon may cause damage to nearby organs, resulting in further surgical procedures and potentially irreversible damage and organ failure.
Alternatively, infections acquired during surgery may go unnoticed and untreated, resulting in sepsis and septic shock which is potentially deadly.
Slippage of Gastric Banding
There is always potential for a gastric lap band to slip, which may lead to symptoms of heartburn and vomiting. If a band slips, surgery is required to correct the problem, but in many cases it will be removed and another type of surgery will be performed.
Can Medical Negligence Occur in a Bariatric Surgery?
While medical negligence is a rare occurrence, it can occur in any type of surgical procedure, and a medical malpractice lawsuit can be filed to recover money to cover the medical costs, lost income and pain and suffering.
Filing a medical malpractice lawsuit is a difficult endeavor at best. Medical malpractice lawsuits are some of the most complex of any civil action, and only an experienced medical malpractice lawyer can successfully handle such cases.
If you or someone you know may be the victim of medical malpractice, talk to a medical malpractice lawyer today to find out if you have a case that deserves civil justice.
