Gastric Bypass Errors

Gastric bypass surgery offers life-changing benefits, but it also carries risks when performed negligently. Errors during the procedure can result in leaks, malnutrition, or life-threatening infections. These mistakes, often linked to broader patterns of surgical negligence, may also occur alongside injuries like accidental punctures or bowel damage. A Prince George’s County medical malpractice lawyer can help you address these challenges and seek justice.

Foran & Foran works tirelessly to assist patients harmed by surgical errors, including complications from gallbladder surgeries or cut bile ducts. If you’ve been affected by a preventable mistake, let us help you pursue the compensation you need to rebuild your life. Contact us to get started.

Gastric bypass surgery is a standard procedure for addressing severe obesity, but when errors occur, the results can be life-altering and even fatal. Surgical mistakes such as anastomotic leaks, improper suturing, or missed complications can lead to severe infections, organ failure, and long-term health challenges. With 1.5% to 6% of gastric bypass procedures resulting in anastomotic leaks, the risks are significant, and many of these errors are preventable. A Prince George’s County gastric bypass attorney can provide legal guidance to hold negligent healthcare providers accountable.

While gastric bypass is a transformative procedure for many, it comes with inherent risks that are worsened by medical negligence. Anastomotic leaks, for example, occur when the connection between the stomach and small intestine is improperly sealed, allowing digestive fluids to leak into the abdominal cavity. These leaks are most likely to develop within the first three days after surgery, but delayed detection can exacerbate complications.

Additional risks include:

• Improper surgical technique — errors during suturing or stapling can compromise the integrity of the gastrointestinal tract;
• Unrecognized complications — failure to identify and address issues such as bowel perforation or internal bleeding prolongs recovery and increases the severity of the injury; and
• Inadequate post-operative care — neglecting to monitor vital signs or symptoms like fever and rapid heart rate can lead to missed diagnoses of life-threatening complications.

Patients with pre-existing conditions, a history of abdominal surgeries, or significant obesity are particularly vulnerable to these errors.

Patients undergoing gastric bypass surgery should be alert to warning signs of complications. Early detection and intervention are critical to preventing severe outcomes. Symptoms of surgical errors may include:

• Severe abdominal pain. Persistent pain beyond the expected recovery period can indicate an internal problem.
• Fever or chills. These are common signs of infection, which may stem from anastomotic leaks or other complications.
• Nausea and vomiting. Excessive or prolonged nausea may indicate a blockage or other issue requiring medical attention.
• Low blood pressure and rapid heart rate. These symptoms can signal septic shock, a medical emergency.

Patients often suffer unnecessarily when these warning signs are ignored or improperly treated. A Prince George’s County medical malpractice lawyer can help investigate whether negligence contributed to delayed or missed treatment.

The complications stemming from gastric bypass errors can lead to chronic health problems, including:

• Nutritional deficiencies. Inadequate absorption of vitamins and minerals can result from improper surgical techniques or undiagnosed complications.
• Chronic pain. Internal damage may cause ongoing discomfort, requiring additional surgeries or pain management therapies.
• Permanent organ damage. Untreated leaks or infections can damage the liver, kidneys, or gastrointestinal system.

These outcomes often require extensive medical intervention and long-term care, adding financial strain to the physical and emotional toll on patients and their families.

When errors in gastric bypass surgery occur, patients have the right to hold the responsible parties accountable for their negligence. Filing a medical malpractice claim can help you recover compensation for:

• Medical bills — including corrective surgeries, hospital stays, medications, and ongoing care;
• Lost wages — for time missed at work during recovery or due to permanent disability;
• Pain and suffering — addressing the emotional and physical toll of the injury.

A Prince George’s County gastric bypass errors attorney can review your medical records, consult with experts, and build a strong case to help you pursue justice.

Mistakes during gastric bypass procedures, such as leaks or undiagnosed complications, can lead to life-altering consequences. At Foran & Foran, we provide dedicated legal support to patients harmed by surgical negligence. From addressing your immediate medical needs to pursuing compensation for long-term health impacts, our attorneys are here to help you rebuild your life. We proudly serve clients in Hyattsville, Bowie, Waldorf, Upper Marlboro, La Plata, Silver Spring, Rockville, and surrounding areas. Call us at (301) 441-2022 to discuss your options for seeking justice and accountability.