Woman sues doctors for leaving surgical gloves inside her

Individuals from Connecticut know that when someone has surgery, it is not without some risk. Unfortunately, there are many common and avoidable errors that cause injury and death in hospitals all over the country. Medical professionals, despite their good intentions, training and skill, may and do commit mistakes.

According to a complaint filed in the Midwest, a woman has brought a medical malpractice lawsuit against her doctors after they wrongly diagnosed a surgical glove left in her abdomen as a cancerous cyst. The woman had a six-hour surgery a few years ago because she thought the operation would help her have another child. She never became pregnant.

After this surgery, the woman began to experience abdominal pain, including hot flashes, sweating and bloating, the complaint stated. When the pain persisted, she visited a radiologist who found what he thought was a large ovarian cyst. Another doctor told her she should make an appointment with an oncologist.

According to the lawsuit, the woman had several tests and treatments performed until she had a full hysterectomy in 2013, which was when the surgeons found the glove. The surgeons discovered the glove, which was tied in a knot and filled with fluid. It was surrounded by the woman’s own tissue.

The lawsuit alleges that the glove was left there after the six-hour surgery. The woman and her husband have sued the doctors that she went to in Nebraska for not telling her the initial surgery was not likely to assist her in becoming pregnant, hurting her family relationships and medical negligence. The couple is asking for compensatory damages.

Like this woman, a victim of surgery malpractice can file a lawsuit for compensation for the suffering and pain caused by the surgical mistake. Each state has its own law regarding surgical errors, and it is prudent to consult an experienced attorney.

Source:  abcnews.go.com, “Medical Mystery: What Caused Woman’s Early Hot Flashes After Surgery?” Sydney Lupkin, Jan. 03, 2014