Endoscopy of the small intestine is referred to as an “upper endoscopy.” This test is for diagnostic and sometimes therapeutic purposes. The test permits a physician to directly visualize the upper digestive tract by using a gastroscope. During the upper endoscopy, the physician will be able to examine the esophagus, stomach and the first part of the small intestine, known as the “duodenum.”
How Endoscopy of the Small Intestine is Performed
An endoscopy is done under intravenous sedation. The physician will insert a narrow tube known as the gastroscope into the esophagus into the stomach. Thereafter, the doctor will guide the tube into the small intestine. The tube contains fiber optics and allows the physician to see and examine the inside of these areas. A suction tube will usually be inside the mouth to remove any accumulated saliva during the procedure and some small amounts of air may be inserted into the scope so the doctor can visualize the areas. Additionally, the physician may take biopsies during the procedure by using the gastroscope. Typically, the procedure is performed in an outpatient examination area and the patient will be able to leave after brief observation following the procedure.
Risks
The risks associated with endoscopy of the small intestine include the following:
- bleeding
- infection in the digestive tract
- tearing in the gastrointestinal tract
- sepsis
- death (rare)
Opportunity for Negligence and Injury
Liability for medical malpractice committed during an endoscopy of the small intestine arises in several ways. Initially, equipment failure during the surgery could cause injuries giving rise to a malpractice case. If the gastroscope is used improperly, the patient could incur a severe injury. Furthermore, physician error or deviation from the accepted medical practice could result in an injury which could provide the basis for a medical malpractice case. Finally, infection or injury caused by the endoscopy of the small intestine may form the underlying basis of a medical malpractice case.
Medical Negligence and Malpractice Suits
If one has been injured due to medical negligence or malpractice based upon an endoscopy of the small intestine, one may want to seek the counsel of a medical malpractice attorney in order to determine the nature of compensation. Damages sought as a result of the medical malpractice may include the following, depending upon the particular circumstances of the case and the jurisdiction:
- physical suffering
- emotional pain and suffering
- loss of enjoyment of life
- medical expenses
- wrongful death
- funeral expenses
- future lost earnings
Getting Legal Help
If one believes that he or she has been subject to medical malpractice arising from an endoscopy of the small intestine, one may want to retain an experienced medical malpractice attorney. An experienced medical malpractice attorney can not only evaluate one’s case in order to determine whether one has a case, but also a seasoned attorney can help one select an appropriate course of action. Moreover, an experienced attorney will be able to navigate the complexities of the medical malpractice case, handle defense attorneys who represent physicians and insurance companies in the case, and protect his or her client’s interests.
