CASE AT A GLANCE
Laparoscopic Appendectomy / Bowel Perforation

Illustrated Verdict, Inc. © All rights reserved.

Case Overview:

A 62-year-old woman presented at the hospital with right lower quadrant pain and nausea. A CT of the abdomen revealed acute appendicitis. She went in for a laparoscopic appendectomy without any complications. Overnight she developed peritonitis and underwent an exploratory laparotomy. Two 1 cm tears were discovered in the small intestine in the mid to distal jejunum. A portion of her small bowel was resected, and her abdomen was cleaned out. She had several surgeries over the next few weeks to clean out her abdomen. She was discharged to a physical therapy facility to recover from the sepsis and extended hospital stay. The jury found in favor of the defense.