Key Takeaways:
- Surgical Transection: A severed or transected esophagus during a routine throat procedure is a severe surgical error that must be identified before closing the patient.
- Immediate Post-Op Crisis: Choking and an inability to swallow in recovery are immediate red flags pointing to airway or esophageal trauma.
- Breaking the “Blue Wall”: Honest testimony from subsequent treating physicians is invaluable when holding a negligent doctor legally accountable.
Case Study: Severe Surgeon Malpractice Involving Esophageal Transection
Our client suffered from a disorder known as Zenker’s diverticulum, which is an outpouching of the lower throat and upper esophagus that required her to undergo continual dilations of her esophagus so she could swallow food. In an effort to eliminate the need for dilations, she decided to undergo surgery that promised to fix her problems and allow her to live more normally.
After the surgery was complete and she was placed in recovery, the client began to choke and could not swallow. The cardiothoracic surgeon emergently consulted an ear, nose, and throat surgeon who determined that the client’s esophagus had been transected, and it was not discovered or repaired during surgery.
The ENT surgeon was able to repair the client’s esophagus, and his professional criticism of the cardiothoracic surgeon helped resolve the claim in litigation. We often see physicians protecting other physicians who make errors, and it was refreshing to encounter a physician with impeccable integrity who did the right thing for the right reason and helped his patient obtain fair compensation for her permanent injuries.
Our Orlando Legal Team Fights Systemic Surgeon Malpractice
Surgical procedures around the throat and esophagus require absolute precision. When an organ is transected and left unrepaired during an operation, it constitutes a severe breach of the medical standard of care that quickly threatens a patient’s airway and survival.
If you or a loved one has suffered permanent injuries due to suspected surgeon malpractice or a devastating error during an operation, you shouldn’t have to face the recovery alone. Our dedicated medical malpractice team has the experience and resources required to challenge negligent hospital systems and secure the financial justice your family deserves.
Contact the legal team at Warner & Warner today at 321-972-1889 or review our other successful surgical case studies to schedule your free, confidential case review.