Even though a colonoscopy may be one of the more common procedures that a person may undergo, it can lead to life-threatening complications if it was performed improperly. This is because improperly performed colonoscopies can result in internal injuries which are susceptible to infection. If these injuries are not identified, the damage will be allowed to fester and become massively infected. This is likely to lead to sepsis, which is a very dangerous blood infection which is widespread through the body. These improperly performed colonoscopies can be due to very serious medical malpractice.
A colonoscopy is a medical procedure generally considered to be safe. It is an examination of the colon by using a long, flexible, tube-like instrument with a video camera at the end. It can be used to examine the lining of the colon. It is inserted through the rectum and continues through and to the end of the large intestine. The scope bends and flexes around the curves of the colon. Air is blown into the colon at the same time to allow an easier inspection.
Other tools can also be used to take biopsies or remove polyps. These tools are protected in a sheath, but when the doctor decides to use them they come out and the sharp edges are exposed.
Even though colonoscopies have a low rate of error, there are some common mistakes which can result in serious personal injuries due to Minnesota medical malpractice. Errors during a colonoscopy are almost always preventable and due to reckless, careless, or otherwise negligent conduct. Some common mistakes during a colonoscopy which could be due to a medical error include the following:
What is most dangerous when one of these injuries occurs is when the medical professional fails to recognize these injuries. When these injuries are not observed when they occur, an infection is very likely. Abdominal infections like this can result in very serious injuries which could be deadly.
If you have been the victim of medical malpractice and suffered an injury during a colonoscopy, call to schedule a FREE appointment to learn what your rights may be. We handle cases throughout Oregon and Central Oregon, including Deschutes County, Redmond, Sisters, La Pine, Madras, Prineville, The Dalles, Hood River, Clackamas, Corvallis, Albany, Lake Oswego, West Linn, Tigard, Salem, Portland, Hillsboro, Vancouver, Washington, Beaverton, Oregon City, Eugene, Coos Bay, Astoria, Newport, Pendleton, Tillamook, Milwaukie, Gresham, Medford, and any other city, including Bend, Oregon where our main law office is located, please call Kuhlman Law, LLC by dialing (541) 385-1999 to learn what your rights to compensation you may have. You may also contact us using our easy and convenient “contact us” box at the bottom of our website. If we accept your case, we will conduct a thorough investigation to get you the answers you deserve, all for free. There is no risk, and you only pay us if we recover compensation for you.