Cut Bile Duct

When a bile duct is mistakenly cut during surgery, the results can be catastrophic. Patients may experience bile leakage, severe infections, and the need for complex corrective surgeries. These injuries are often preventable and frequently occur in procedures like gallbladder removals or gastric bypass surgeries. A Prince George’s County medical malpractice lawyer can help you pursue justice for this kind of negligence.

Foran & Foran has the knowledge and determination to handle complex surgical error cases. Whether you’ve suffered a bile duct injury, bowel damage, or an accidental puncture, we are committed to helping you secure the compensation you deserve. Contact us to explore your options.

Bile duct injuries are among the most devastating mistakes that can occur during abdominal surgeries, particularly gallbladder removal procedures. These injuries, while rare, have become more prevalent with the rise of laparoscopic techniques. Studies show that bile duct injuries occur in 0.3% to 0.7% of the 750,000 laparoscopic cholecystectomies performed annually in the United States. The consequences can be severe, leading to bile leakage, life-threatening infections, and long-term health complications. If you or a loved one has experienced a bile duct injury due to medical negligence, a Prince George’s County bile duct injury lawyer can help you pursue justice.

Mistakes during gallbladder surgeries and other abdominal procedures are often preventable. Common causes of bile duct injuries include misidentification of anatomy, improper surgical techniques, and failure to communicate effectively among the surgical team. Surgeons sometimes mistake the bile duct for other structures, such as the cystic duct, and inadvertently cut or damage it.

In some cases, the injury is compounded by a failure to recognize the problem during the operation. Studies indicate that bile duct injuries are identified intraoperatively only 25% to 32.4% of the time. This oversight delays corrective treatment and significantly increases the risk of complications, including sepsis and liver damage.

A bile duct injury can drastically alter a patient’s quality of life. The bile duct is essential for transporting bile from the liver to the small intestine, aiding digestion. When this system is disrupted, the effects can include:

• Bile leakage. Unchecked leakage can cause peritonitis, a severe abdominal infection that requires emergency treatment.
• Sepsis. The infection spreads throughout the body, often leading to organ failure if untreated.
• Liver dysfunction. Prolonged bile obstruction can lead to permanent liver damage.
• Repeated surgeries. Many patients require multiple corrective surgeries to repair the injury and address complications.

The physical toll is compounded by emotional distress and financial strain. Many victims face months or even years of recovery, with mounting medical bills and an inability to return to work during their treatment.

Early detection of a bile duct injury is critical to minimizing complications. Patients should seek immediate medical attention if they experience symptoms such as:

• Severe abdominal pain or tenderness;
• Jaundice, characterized by yellowing of the skin and eyes;
• Unexplained fever or chills, which may indicate infection; and
• Dark urine or pale stools signal bile obstruction.

If healthcare providers fail to recognize and address these symptoms promptly, the condition can escalate quickly, leading to permanent harm.

When a surgeon’s negligence causes a bile duct injury, the victim has the right to seek compensation for their damages. A Prince George’s County medical malpractice attorney can help you hold the responsible parties accountable by investigating the circumstances of your surgery, consulting medical experts, and building a compelling case.

Compensation in these cases often includes:

• Medical Expenses — covering the cost of corrective surgeries, hospital stays, and ongoing treatment;
• Lost Wages — reimbursing income lost due to time away from work during recovery and
• Pain and Suffering — addressing the physical and emotional impact of the injury.

At Foran & Foran, P.A., our attorneys understand the challenges faced by bile duct injury victims and are committed to helping you secure the resources needed for recovery.

Bile duct injuries highlight systemic issues in surgical procedures, including inadequate training and communication breakdowns. By pursuing legal action, you advocate for your rights and contribute to improving patient safety standards. Hospitals and surgeons must be held accountable for failing to follow established protocols, ensuring fewer patients suffer from preventable injuries. If you have experienced a bile duct injury, taking action can bring a sense of closure and help ensure other patients are not subjected to the same negligence.

A cut bile duct can lead to devastating complications, including infections, bile leakage, and the need for multiple corrective surgeries. At Foran & Foran, we use our extensive experience handling medical malpractice cases to help victims of surgical negligence seek justice. Our attorneys will investigate your case, work with medical experts, and fight to secure compensation for your medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering. To schedule a free consultation with one of our medical malpractice lawyers in Prince George's County, give us a call at (301) 441-2022. We proudly represent clients in Hyattsville, Bowie, Upper Marlboro, Waldorf, La Plata, Silver Spring, Rockville, and the surrounding areas.