Colonoscopies are one of the most common procedures.  They are also one of the safest procedures, despite their invasive nature.  In fact, there are over 14 million colonoscopies performed each year and 98.4% of all colonoscopies result in no complications from the procedure.  However, that does not mean that all colonoscopies are performed without an issue.  The remaining 1.6% of 14 million colonoscopies means there are over 224,000 instances of complications.  Some of these complications can be very serious and result in permanent injury or wrongful death.  If you have suffered a complication after a colonoscopy, please call our Oregon colonoscopy medical malpractice lawyers to learn what your rights are and how we can protect them.

What is a Colonoscopy?

A colonoscopy is a common medical procedure which uses a long and flexible instrument to look inside of your colon.  The purpose of a colonoscopy is to look for damage or signs of disease inside of the colon, including cancer, Krohn’s, Ulcerative Colitis, and other ailments of the colon and intestines.  The instrument has a camera and other apparatus to take bioscopies, remove polyps, and repair damage or incisions.  During a colonoscopy a physician will inflate the colon by using forced air.  This reduces friction of the instrument as it snakes through your colon, but also allows for an easier examination of the colon.

Common Colonoscopy Errors Due to Oregon Medical Malpractice

Even though over 98% of colonoscopies result in no complications, injuries and complications which do occur can be devastating and life-changing.  This is particularly true because some reckless, careless, or negligent errors will go undetected.  Other times a surgeon will realize the error and attempt to hide it by repairing the damage without telling the patient.  This is dangerous because complications that occur would result in serious injuries or wrongful death.  This is particularly because of an infection or sepsis, which are common when there is damage to the intestines, colon, or rectum.

Some of the most common colonoscopy errors due to substandard medical care and treatment in include the following:  

• Bowel perforations – a bowel perforation is a common injury that occurs during a colonoscopy.  This is when the instrument used to examine the colon pierces through the lining of the colon and creates a “perforation.”  The causes could be from over-inflating the colon or improperly using the instrument.  Many times the perforation is small tear or laceration, but other times the perforation could penetrate completely through the colon.  Both situations require immediate treatment to repair the damage, but a full perforation is a medical emergency and usually results immediate abdominal surgery.  While many bowel perforations can be repaired with minimal damage to the colon, some egregious bowel perforations could result in the loss of a portion of the colon due to infection, septic response, and damage.
• Misdiagnosing conditions or failing to diagnose conditions – the entire purpose of a colonoscopy is to perform preventive care.  Thus, if a physician fails to identify, diagnose, and treat issues in the colon, the entire purpose of a colonoscopy is wasted.
• Overuse of Air – air is used during a colonoscopy to include the colon to reduce friction of the instrument and to allow for an easier inspection of the colon.  This allows a doctor to be able to see inside of a patient better.  However, if too much air is put into the colon, it can cause a rupture or stretch the colon tight that makes it more prone to rupturing from the instrument.
• Improper Use of Tools – Every surgical tool has an approved purpose and use.  However, some physicians will use tools in non-permitted manners.  We have all done it before, and a simple example is using the end of a screwdriver as a hammer.  But when a physician cuts corners or uses tools for non-approved purposes, it can result in significant and unnecessary damage to a patient.  This includes when a physician uses the colonoscopy instrument to perform tasks that it is not permitted to be used for.  Other times simple misuse of a tool such as not having the tools sheathed inside of the instrument while the instrument is snaking through the colon could also result in serious personal injuries.

Bend/Portland, Oregon Colonoscopy Medical Malpractice Lawyers

If you or a loved one have been seriously injured or 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.  

We handle cases throughout the state including Bend and Portland Oregon, Redmond, Central Oregon, Multnomah County, Deschutes County, Salem, Eugene, Corvallis, Lane County, Medford, Gresham, Albany, Medford, Beaverton, Umatilla, Pendleton, and Hillsboro.  

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.  

Please act quickly, there is a limited time (Statute of Limitations) in which you can bring a claim under the law.