Surgical Staple Injuries

Surgical staples are commonly used to close surgical incisions, repair wounds, and hold together internal organs. While surgical staples can be very beneficial, there are also risks involved with their use. An estimated 8,000 to 9,000 incidents are reported to the FDA per year as a result of surgical stapler use. Ninety percent of surgical staple injuries occur because the stapler did not fire correctly. Surgical staples are used in bariatric or gastric bypass surgery. Some gastric bypass staplers are associated with more serious injuries and infections than other staplers such as the Ethicon Endo-Surgery Gastric Bypass Stapler that the FDA has identified as more likely to misfire than similar devices. When the staples misfire or do not seal properly, there may be leakage into the abdominal cavity or separation of the areas that were stapled. Improper stapling and sealing can lead to infection, peritonitis, sepsis, shock, and separation of the surgical connection made between organs and/or vessels. The most common issue some patients suffer as a result of surgical staples is the leakage of blood or bodily fluid which can cause severe infection and even death.

If you or a loved one have suffered or are suffering with a life-altering injury and/or disability as a result of a surgical staple injury, you may be entitled to compensation. Please contact our office at 302-298-0370 for a FREE consultation.