Woman unknowingly suffers surgical errors and attempted coverup

Delaware residents expect honesty, truth and excellent care from their physicians and medical providers. Unfortunately, one woman learned through the news that she was the subject of a whistleblower lawsuit and that she had suffered surgical errors. After investigating and discovering she had organs unnecessarily removed, she has filed a medical malpractice lawsuit against her physicians and the hospital.  

The 46-year-old woman was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. A diagnosis of cancer alone is traumatic and difficult to comprehend, but even with treatment her diagnosis of pancreatic cancer was likely to be fatal within five years. She chose to undergo a complicated surgery to remove her pancreas despite the expected short life expectancy. After her pancreas was removed, it was discovered that she did not have cancer and her pancreas had been healthy.

Pathologists analyze tissue samples before and after surgery to determine and verify a patient’s diagnosis. It was discovered after the woman’s surgery that a pathologist misdiagnosed the woman prior to her surgery and did not verify the diagnosis by another pathologist as was required by hospital policy. In addition, he accused the pathologist and the hospital of attempting to cover up the misdiagnosis, and he filed a lawsuit against the hospital due to the retaliation he felt for notifying a government regulatory agency of the suspected cover up. On a follow up appointment, the patient’s surgeon requested that the patient sign a legal documented agreeing that her care was excellent, but she was suspicious and refused. After some research, the woman discovered the news of the pathologist’s whistleblower lawsuit and her misdiagnosis.

Organ removals are often complicated, result in lost time at work, require recovery and could alter life indefinitely. It is understandably upsetting and difficult to comprehend when unnecessary surgical errors and injuries occur. Delaware medical malpractice attorneys can advise any patients that suspect they are victims of medical negligence of their rights and options.

Source: kcur.org, “Patient Who Had Parts Of Her Organs Removed Sues KU Hospital For Fraud“, Dan Margolies, August 2, 2017