Woman Undergoes Surgery for Left Ovarian Cyst Removal, But Surgeons Remove Healthy Right Ovary Instead
Medical professionals are expected to follow careful procedures before and during surgery to ensure the correct operation is performed on the correct part of the body. When those safeguards fail, the consequences can be traumatic for patients both physically and emotionally.
Friedman Schuman Layser attorneys Brett J. Kaminsky and Katherine Lekh recently filed a matter involving a 35-year-old woman who underwent surgery for left ovarian cyst removal, but surgeons removed her healthy right ovary instead.
Seeking Answers For Persistent Pain
Plaintiff initially sought medical treatment after experiencing persistent abdominal pain and discomfort around her left ovary. She had an MRI, which revealed a cyst that her physician determined required surgical removal.
After discussing treatment options with her healthcare providers, Plaintiff consented to surgery, specifically to remove her left ovary.
The Wrong Ovary Removed: A Preventable Surgical Mistake
After being told the surgery was successful, Plaintiff continued to suffer from worsening pelvic pain, gastrointestinal symptoms, and ongoing physical discomfort in the same area. Despite repeatedly seeking medical guidance and expressing concern about her condition, she was reassured by healthcare providers that her recovery appeared stable and that her symptoms were likely related to stress.
As the months passed, her symptoms became increasingly debilitating, making it difficult for her to maintain the active lifestyle she once enjoyed as a successful businesswoman, dedicated CrossFit athlete, and involved mother. The ongoing pain and physical limitations significantly affected her daily functioning and overall quality of life, causing substantial emotional distress, as she felt something was seriously wrong despite being told otherwise.
Plaintiff eventually underwent a pelvic ultrasound with another physician, and the results revealed the shocking truth: the surgical team had removed her healthy right ovary instead of the left ovary containing the cyst.
Ultimately, she was forced to undergo a second surgery nine months later to remove her remaining ovary, which resulted in a sequela of other issues, including early onset of menopause.
The Physical And Emotional Impact Of A Wrong-Site Surgical Error
Wrong-site surgery involving reproductive organs can have significant and lasting consequences, particularly for women of childbearing age. The removal of one ovary may contribute to earlier onset of menopause, while the removal of both ovaries can trigger surgical menopause, often resulting in symptoms that are more sudden and severe than those associated with natural menopause. These symptoms may include hot flashes, night sweats, mood changes, anxiety, depression, insomnia, and chronic fatigue.
After undergoing the second surgery to remove the correct ovary, Plaintiff began experiencing symptoms consistent with perimenopause, which were especially distressing given her age and the unexpected nature of her medical complications.
In addition to the physical effects, she experienced significant emotional trauma following her surgeries, including severe anxiety, depressive symptoms, and emotional distress when reflecting on her medical treatment. She also developed a deep mistrust of healthcare providers and began avoiding medical and social settings altogether.
Wrong-Site Surgery and Medical Malpractice
Removing the wrong ovary is considered a serious and preventable medical error. These incidents are often classified as “never events,” meaning they should never happen when accepted safety standards are followed. When healthcare providers fail to uphold the accepted standard of care and a patient suffers harm as a result, the injured patient may have grounds for a medical malpractice claim.
A medical malpractice case involving wrong-site surgery may seek compensation for:
- Medical expenses
- Future treatment costs
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of fertility or reproductive harm
A medical malpractice claim in these circumstances may also account for the broader, long-term impact of the surgical error on a patient’s quality of life. In addition, these cases require extensive expert review to determine how the error occurred, whether surgical safety protocols were followed, and where breakdowns in communication or verification processes took place. This analysis is critical in establishing whether the standard of care was breached and how the preventable error directly caused the patient’s injuries.
Pursuing Justice After A Surgical Error
Patients place their trust in surgeons and healthcare professionals to provide safe, competent care when facing medical treatment and surgical procedures. When preventable mistakes occur, the consequences can be life-altering for both the patient and their family.
At Friedman Schuman Layser, our medical malpractice attorneys represent individuals who have been harmed by serious medical negligence, including preventable surgical errors. Our team is dedicated to helping injured patients pursue accountability and recover the compensation they deserve. If you or a loved one has suffered harm due to a surgical error or wrong-site surgery, contact our team today.