Pennsylvania Gastric Bypass Surgery Error Lawyers
Gastric bypass surgery is a weight-loss procedure that makes the stomach smaller and allows food to bypass part of the small intestine. This helps overweight or obese people by making them feel full quicker than when their stomach was its original size. That in turn helps reduce the amount of food and calorie intake. Bypassing part of the intestine also results in fewer calories being absorbed.
In normal digestion, food passes through the stomach and enters the small intestine where most of the nutrients and calories are absorbed. It then passes into the large intestine, the colon, and the remaining waste is eventually expelled. With gastric bypass surgery, the stomach is made smaller by creating a small pouch at the top of the stomach using surgical staples or a plastic band. The smaller stomach is connected directly to the middle portion of the small intestine, bypassing the rest of the stomach and the upper portion of the small intestine.
This procedure is done by making a large incision in the abdomen or by making a small incision and using small instruments and a camera to help guide the surgery, which is called the less-invasive or laparoscopic approach.
Gastric bypass surgery is becoming an increasingly desirable option for many overweight people – especially those who are morbidly obese and face other health complications because of their obesity. However, gastric bypass surgery is not without its risks. When doctors are negligent and commit errors during surgery, a number of complications can arise. About 150,000 people had gastric bypass surgery in 2005. However, one in 300 people who underwent the surgery died of gastric bypass surgery complications or problems arising from the surgery.
Mistakes that doctors and surgeons most often make during gastric bypass surgery include:
- Failure to diagnose a ruptured or perforated bowel
- Failure to note gastric fluid leaking
- Not recognizing signs of a pulmonary embolism
- Not recognizing or treating post gastric bypass bleeding
- Failure to properly screen appropriate gastric bypass patients
Often times, complications and errors could occur also because inexperienced doctors are allowed to perform these complicated procedures. When gastric bypass surgery goes wrong, you only experience a lot of physical pain and suffering, but you also face mountain-high medical bills, which may not be covered by your insurance. The complications could also result in death.
If you or a loved one has been a victim of an improperly performed gastric bypass surgery, please call an experienced Philadelphia surgical malpractice attorney at Anapol Schwartz to find out about your rights and legal options. We will evaluate your claim, determine the facts and make sure you are compensated for your pain, suffering and damages.
Please call Anapol Schwartz today, toll free(866) 735-2792, for a free consultation.