Medical Malpractice Lawyer in Bend Oregon Explains Bariatric Surgery Errors from Medical Malpractice
Bariatric surgery is fairly common, helping individuals who are obese to lose weight that they have struggled to lose through other measures. There are many different types of bariatric surgeries that can help individuals lose weight, will all of these surgeries causing some sort of change to the digestive system. While these procedures may provide individuals with many benefits such as significant weight loss and improved health conditions caused by their obesity, there are some side effects and complications that can occur as a result of bariatric procedures. While there are some known risks that can occur, there are times in which an error occurs due to medical malpractice leading to serious harm of a patient undergoing bariatric surgery. Indeed, bariatric surgery errors from medical malpractice in Bend or Portland, Oregon may be due to the reckless or negligent conduct of a healthcare provider. When this happens, individuals who are harmed may be eligible for compensation for injuries sustained with the help of an experienced medical malpractice lawyer in Bend or Portland, Oregon.
Here at Kuhlman Law, our compassionate team understands how to represent victims and their families in complex, medical malpractice cases. This includes bariatric surgery errors from medical malpractice, which could cause “leaking,” infections, and serious or life-threatening complications resulting in catastrophic injury or wrongful death. If you or a loved one suffered any serious complications from bariatric surgery errors, contact the experienced medical malpractice lawyer in Bend and Portland, Oregon for help. There is no charge for a case evaluation to learn more about your rights to compensation under Oregon or Minnesota law, where we have another office and accept catastrophic medical malpractice cases there. To learn more, contact us today to schedule your FREE appointment.
Types of Bariatric Surgery Explained
There are several different types of bariatric surgeries that could be performed negligently and result in serious personal injuries or the wrongful death of an innocent person. Some of the most common types of bariatric surgeries include the following:
- Gastric Bypass – This type of surgery is the one most people are familiar with. During this surgery, a surgeon creates a small pouch and then attaches the small pouch to the small intestine, bypassing some of the stomach and small intestine. Some of the most common qualifiers for this type of surgery include a BMI or 40 or more, or if your BMI is 35-39 and you have other comorbid conditions such as high blood pressure, sleep apnea, or type 2 diabetes.
- Sleeve Gastrectomy – During this procedure, the surgeon removes the majority of the stomach, leaving the patient with a smaller stomach that resembles the shape of a banana. This then causes the patient to take in less food due to the smaller size of the stomach. This is the most commonly performed weight loss surgery in the United States.
- Gastric Banding – The gastric band procedure involves placing an adjustable band around the top portion of the stomach. After the surgery, the surgeon can adjust the band as needed to make the band larger or smaller.
- Biliopancreatic Diversion – This procedure involves two steps, the first in which a gastrectomy is performed. The second step involves connecting the end portion of the intestine to the duodenum. This procedure is the most uncommon bariatric surgery.
Most Common Complications From Bariatric Surgery
It is important to mention that like with all surgeries, complications can happen in the absence of medical malpractice. However, there are certain instances in which complications could be entirely avoided. Additionally, it is vital that complications are identified in a timely manner in order to prevent further complications from occurring. Some of the most common complications that may occur which may or may not be due to medical malpractice include the following:
- Internal bleeding
- Anastomotic leaks
- Infection
- Pulmonary embolism
- Nutritional deficiencies
- Dumping syndrome
- Gastrointestinal obstruction
- Death
- Other complications caused by bariatric surgery
Ways in Which Complications From Bariatric Surgery Can be Caused by Medical Malpractice
- Performing a bariatric surgery procedure on a patient who is not a candidate – There are certain instances in which an obese patient may not be cleared for surgery due to other conditions they may have that would make he operation too dangerous.
- Inexperienced surgeon – A surgeon who does not have experience performing these surgeries or has minimal experience overall as a surgeon may make an error that can seriously harm a patient.
- Delay in diagnosing post-op complications – While complications can happen even if the procedure is performed correctly, it is vital that these complications are identified quickly to allow for timely intervention. Failure to diagnose complications such as pulmonary embolism or infection can lead to serious harm, or even death.
- Failure to provide appropriate follow up post-surgery – Bariatric surgery is a major surgery that requires lifestyle changes and close monitoring post-operatively to ensure that the patient is not developing any complications, and is following the recommended guidelines. Failure to provide appropriate follow up can lead to poor outcomes or complications that can lead to serious injury or death.
If you believe that you had any of these complications, contact our experienced medical malpractice lawyer in Bend or Portland Oregon for a FREE consultation.
Who is Responsible for Bariatric Medical Malpractice?
There are many individuals who may be responsible for bariatric medical malpractice. Some of the most common parties who may be held responsible include the following:
- Surgeon – The surgeon is often the first person named in a bariatric surgery claim. This is because oftentimes the error is due to something relating to the surgery or follow up. Common errors occurring during surgery include errors in stapling or suturing.
- Other members of the surgical team – Other members who may be held responsible include other members of the surgical team such as anesthesiologists, nurses, and other staff members.
- Medical device companies – Medical device companies may be held liable if there is a defect with the medical device used for the surgery (i.e. gastric sleeve or gastric band).
- Nutritionists – Patients who undergo bariatric surgery usually are required to see a nutritionist to help provide further guidance on post-op dietary changes. If a nutritionist provides the wrong information, a patient may suffer harm.
Call Our Medical Malpractice Lawyer in Bend and Portland, Oregon for Help if You Suffered Bariatric Surgery Errors From Medical Malpractice in Bend
If you or a loved one have been seriously injured or wrongfully killed as a result of medical malpractice contact the Oregon Medical Malpractice Lawyers at Kuhlman Law at our number below or fill out the intake form. We offer a free initial case evaluation and handle cases on a contingency fee which means that you pay no money unless we recover.
Our law firm handles cases throughout the state including Bend and Portland Oregon, Redmond, Central Oregon, Sisters, Madras, Multnomah County, Deschutes County, Salem, Eugene, Corvallis, Lane County, Medford, Gresham, La Grande, Albany, Medford, Beaverton, Umatilla, Pendleton, Cottage Grove, Florence, Oregon City, Springfield, Keizer, Grants Pass, McMinnville, Tualatin, West Linn, Forest Grove, Wilsonville, Newberg, Roseburg, Lake Oswego, Klamath Falls, Happy Valley, Tigard, Ashland, Milwakie, Coos Bay, The Dalles, St. Helens, Sherwood, Central Point, Canby, Troutdale, Hermiston, Silverton, Hood River, Newport, Prineville, Astoria, Tillamook, Lincoln City, Hillsboro, and Vancouver, Washington.
We also have an office in Minneapolis, Minnesota and take medical malpractice cases throughout the Twin Cities, including St. Paul, Hennepin County, Ramsey County, Dakota County, Washington County, Anoka County, Scott County, Blaine, Stillwater, and Saint Paul Minnesota.
