Woman refuses hysterectomy,
dies of invasive cancer
dies of invasive cancer
A 37-YEAR-OLD WOMAN VISITED HER GYNECOLOGIST for an annual physical exam. A Pap smear revealed human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and abnormal cells. The pathology report after cone biopsy indicated adenoid cystic carcinoma. The physician told the patient that she needed a hysterectomy, which she refused.
The patient visited her primary care physician 9 months later because of abdominal bloating. He palpated a pelvic mass and sent her for a CT scan, which showed a mass within the pelvis as well as liver metastases. Surgery was not an option because of the metastases. Chemotherapy was started but the woman died in less than a month.
ESTATE’S CLAIM Although the gynecologist told the patient she needed a hysterectomy, he did not 1) correctly report the results of the biopsy or 2) explain the reasons why he was recommending hysterectomy.
PHYSICIAN’S DEFENSE The patient was properly treated when advised to have a hysterectomy. She refused treatment
VERDICT A $1.4 million Virginia settlement was reached.
NEONATAL DEATH FROM GROUP B STREP
AN INMATE AT A STATE PRISON gave birth to a healthy baby at 39 weeks’ gestation. The baby died the next day from a perinatal group B Streptococcal (GBS) infection.
ESTATE’S CLAIM The two ObGyns who treated the mother were negligent: the mother’s GBS status was unknown; she was never informed that she needed GBS testing; testing was not administered.
PHYSICIANS’ DEFENSE The primary ObGyn (Dr. A) denied negligence. The other (Dr. B) claimed that he had no duty to administer GBS testing because he was not the primary ObGyn. Prophylactic antibiotics in the absence of certain risk factors—none were present—were inappropriate.
VERDICT A $150,000 California settlement was reached with Dr. A. A defense verdict was returned for Dr. B.
>> READ New group B strep guidelines clarify management of key groups.
DIFFICULT DELIVERY, INJURED BABY
FETAL HEART RATE TRACING was not reassuring, and the fetus did not descend during prolonged labor and delivery. After more than 15 minutes of bradycardia, the hospital staff contacted the ObGyn, who then ordered cesarean delivery. At the initiation of surgery, the anesthetic was insufficient and the mother was unable to tolerate the abdominal incision.
The child has cerebral palsy and suffers motor delays and moderate cognitive deficits.
PATIENTS’ CLAIM The ObGyn failed to recognize cephalopelvic dispro-portion. The hospital staff misread fetal monitoring strips, delaying response to fetal distress because the umbilical cord was compressed between the baby’s cheekbone and maternal pelvis. A cesarean delivery should have been performed earlier, immediately after the baby showed signs of distress. The staff administered the wrong type of anesthetic to the mother before surgery.
DEFENDANTS’ DEFENSE Proper care was provided. An occult prolapsed cord was unpredictable, unpreventable, and unforeseeable.
VERDICT A $6.5 million Illinois settlement was reached, including $300,000 for the mother.
FISTULA CAUSES INCONTINENCE, PROMPTS MULTIPLE SURGERIES
SEVERAL WEEKS AFTER a vaginal hysterectomy, a woman presented with urinary incontinence; vesicovaginal fistula was diagnosed. She underwent 9 surgeries to repair the bladder injury and fistula.
PATIENT’S CLAIM The injury occurred because the gynecologist used improper technique when retracting the bladder. He should have inspected the bladder for injury before finishing the operation.
PHYSICIAN’S DEFENSE Bladder injury is a known risk of laparoscopic transvaginal hysterectomy.
VERDICT A $796,617 Michigan verdict was returned.
URETER KINKS DURING DIFFICULT HYSTERECTOMY
A 36-YEAR-OLD WOMAN PRESENTED to her gynecologist complaining of heavy menses and abdominal and pelvic pain, especially in the lower left quadrant. Total abdominal hysterectomy was scheduled. During surgery, the gynecologist found that the bladder was densely adhered to the uterus. Brisk bleeding followed attempts to separate the bladder from the uterus. The physician placed a single suture to stop the bleeding, and the procedure was completed.
Three days later, she had pain in the right kidney area; testing determined her right ureter was kinked. She was sent to another hospital for placement of a stent and nephrostomy tube, which were removed 4 months later.
PATIENT’S CLAIM The gynecologist was negligent in failing to provide the patient with alternatives to hysterectomy, and in injuring the ureter during hysterectomy.
PHYSICIAN’S DEFENSE Four treatment options were provided to the patient. The injury is a known complication of the surgery. The patient has completely recovered.
VERDICT A Pennsylvania defense verdict was returned.
WOMAN DELIVERS AT HOME AFTER FETUS DIES
AT 16 WEEKS’ GESTATION, a woman went to the hospital complaining of vaginal discharge. Ultrasonography revealed that the fetus had died. The woman’s cervix was not dilated; when the hospital staff attempted to discharge her, she resisted. Hospital officials threatened to call the police if she did not leave. She left, and later delivered the dead fetus at home. She then called her ObGyn, who promptly admitted her for emergency dilation and curettage to remove the remaining placental tissue.