Approximately one million people in the United States seek treatment for kidney stones each year, according to the University of Virginia. A kidney stone is a solid piece of material that forms in the kidney. It may attempt to travel through the urinary tract system and become stuck if it is too large. Kidney stones are extremely painful for most people and are most likely to strike young adults in their 20s and 30s.
How the Procedure is Done
There are several different ways to remove kidney stones including:
Shock waves: that are used to break up the stones and allow people to pass them more easily;
Removal via a ureteroscope: a ureteroscope is inserted into a patient’s urethra to where the stone is located. The stone is than captured and removed; and
Surgery: a small incision is made in the patient’s back and the doctor removes the stone through the incision.
Some form of anesthesia is usually required for all of the different kidney stone removal methods. Hospital stays depend on the type of procedure conducted, whether the kidney stone has been effectively removed, and whether any complications arose during or after surgery.
Risks
The most significant risks associated with kidney stone removal include damage to the kidney, infection, and extensive bleeding.
Other risks such as bruising, blood in the urine, and discomfort are common and typically resolve themselves within a few days of the procedure.
Opportunity for Negligence and Injury
Often, the risks of significant bleeding, kidney damage and infection are increased if an inexperienced doctor is conducting the surgery, if the doctor is distracted, or if the procedure takes a long time.
Medical Negligence and Malpractice Suits
Doctors, or other medical professionals, who cause significant health problems for their patients by failing to remove kidney stones with an appropriate level of care may have been medically negligent. Medical negligence is a serious charge and one that entitles a victim to recover damages for the injuries sustained. In order to recover damages, a victim should file a lawsuit to protect his or her right to recovery even if settlement negotiations are ongoing with the defendant(s).
Getting Legal Help
Medical malpractice victims are recovering not only from kidney stone removal procedures but also from the serious harm imposed by their doctor or other medical professional. It can be difficult to concentrate on a legal case during a time of such intense physical needs. A medical malpractice lawyer will zealously protect your rights and argue for your full and complete financial recovery while you focus on your physical recovery. You can be confident that the person who hurt you will be well represented by counsel. Give yourself the same advantage and hire an experienced medical malpractice lawyer to represent you today.
