April 1, 2021

Compensation recovered from Pennine Acute Hospitals Trust for delayed treatment of post-operative infection

Our client suffered with a juxta renal abdominal aortic aneurysm for which he underwent an open repair abdominal aortic aneurism with aortabifemoral bypass graft in May 2015. The surgery was said to be a success but shortly thereafter our client experienced continual oozing from the wound. He was initially reassured that there were no signs indicative of post operative wound infection.

Sadly, some 10 days after surgery our client was diagnosed with a wound infection and antibiotics were administered accordingly. Microbiology swabs in early June confirmed uncontrolled infection with the presence of heavy growth pseudomonas. By 14 July 2015 they were complaining of intermittent episodes of nausea and loss of appetite which in turn affected his bowel habits. On examination, it was recorded that there was a small stich sinus in his left groin wound.

Our client’s condition deteriorated and on 21 July he was taken to the Emergency Department at the Defendant Trust with uncontrollable haemorrhage from the wound site. They subsequently underwent left groin revision surgery. A further surgery was required to close the wound.

Our cleint brought a case for delay in diagnosis and treatment of the wound infection which resulted in unnecessary period of pain, suffering and loss of amenity , unnecessary haemorrhage and more invasive treatment to control the infection than would have otherwise been necessary .

Breach of duty was admitted but causation denied. The matter settled prior to the Issue of Court Proceedings for £4,500.

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