Endoscopy

A Powerful Diagnostic Tool and Potential Pitfalls: Medical Malpractice with Baltimore Endoscopy Lawyer Mark Kopec

Endoscopy is a minimally invasive medical procedure that allows for direct visualization of internal organs and tissues. By inserting a flexible, lighted tube (endoscope) that has a camera into the body, physicians can diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions. Bad outcomes can arise, leading to potential medical malpractice claims. This article will delve into the history, types, indications, procedures, potential bad outcomes, and legal aspects of endoscopy. If you have been injured, then you may need Baltimore endoscopy lawyer Mark Kopec.

A Brief History of Endoscopy

The concept of visualizing internal structures dates back to the 17th century with the invention of the endoscope by Philipp Bozzini. However, early endoscopes were rudimentary and limited in their application. Significant advancements occurred in the 20th century, with the development of flexible fiber-optic endoscopes in the 1950s. This innovation paved the way for modern endoscopy, enabling physicians to explore intricate and previously inaccessible areas of the body.  

Types of Endoscopy

• Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD): This procedure examines the esophagus, stomach, and upper part of the small intestine (duodenum).
  • Indications: Symptoms such as heartburn, abdominal pain, difficulty swallowing, nausea, vomiting, and unexplained weight loss.  
  • Referring Physicians: Gastroenterologists, primary care physicians, and other specialists.
  • Performing Providers: Gastroenterologists and other specially trained physicians.  
  • Procedure: The doctor generally sedates the patient during the procedure. The endoscope is inserted through the mouth and advanced into the esophagus. The physician can visualize the lining of these organs, take biopsies, and perform therapeutic interventions such as removing polyps or stopping bleeding.  
  • Findings: EGD can detect ulcers, inflammation, infections, tumors, and other abnormalities.  
  • Limitations: EGD cannot visualize the entire gastrointestinal tract.
• Colonoscopy: This procedure examines the entire colon (large intestine) and rectum.
  • Indications: Screening for colorectal colon and rectal cancer, investigation of symptoms such as rectal bleeding, changes in bowel habits, abdominal pain, and unexplained weight loss.
  • Referring Physicians: Gastroenterologists, primary care physicians, and other specialists.
  • Performing Providers: Gastroenterologists and other specially trained physicians.  
  • Procedure: Similar to EGD, the doctor generally sedates the patient. The colonoscope is inserted through the rectum and advanced through the colon. The physician can visualize the colon lining, take biopsies, and remove polyps.  
  • Findings: Colonoscopy can detect polyps, ulcers, inflammation, tumors, and other abnormalities.  
  • Limitations: Colonoscopy may not detect very early polyps or tumors in the cecum (the beginning of the colon).

Baltimore endoscopy lawyer Mark Kopec can evaluate the specific endoscopy that you received and any bad outcome you had.

Additional Endoscopies

• Bronchoscopy: This procedure examines the airways, including the trachea and bronchi.
  • Indications: Evaluation of cough, shortness of breath, wheezing, hemoptysis (coughing up blood), and lung nodules.
  • Referring Physicians: Pulmonologists, primary care physicians, and other specialists.
  • Performing Providers: Pulmonologists and other specially trained physicians.
  • Procedure: The bronchoscope is inserted through the nose or mouth and advanced into the airways. The physician can visualize the airways, take biopsies, remove foreign bodies, and perform other therapeutic interventions.  
  • Findings: Bronchoscopy can detect inflammation, infections, tumors, and other abnormalities in the airways.  
  • Limitations: Bronchoscopy may not reach all areas of the lungs.
• Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP): This procedure examines the bile ducts and pancreatic ducts.
  • Indications: Jaundice, abdominal pain, and pancreatitis.
  • Referring Physicians: Gastroenterologists, hepatologists, and other specialists.
  • Performing Providers: Gastroenterologists and other specially trained physicians.  
  • Procedure: The doctor inserts the endoscope through the mouth and advances it into the duodenum. A thin catheter is then passed through the endoscope and into the bile and pancreatic ducts. Contrast dye is injected to see these ducts. The physician can also perform therapeutic interventions such as removing stones or dilating strictures.  
  • Findings: ERCP can detect stones, strictures, tumors, and other abnormalities in the bile and pancreatic ducts.  
  • Limitations: ERCP is a more invasive procedure than other types of endoscopies and carries a slightly higher risk of bad outcomes.

Regardless of which endoscopy you underwent, Baltimore endoscopy lawyer Mark Kopec will answer your questions and give you medical malpractice advice.

Potential Bad Outcomes of Endoscopy

While generally safe, endoscopy procedures can carry certain bad outcomes, including:

• Bleeding: Minor bleeding is common, but major bleeding can occur.  
• Perforation: A hole can be created in the wall of the organ being examined.  
• Infection: There is a small risk of infection at the insertion site or within the body.  
• Adverse reactions to sedation: Sedation can cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and dizziness.  
• Aspiration: There is a small risk of inhaling stomach contents into the lungs.  

Baltimore endoscopy lawyer Mark Kopec can assess the specific bad outcome you had and your potential medical malpractice case.

Medical Malpractice Claims Related to Endoscopy

Medical malpractice claims related to endoscopy can arise from various circumstances, including:

• Failure to obtain informed consent: Physicians have a duty to inform patients about the risks, benefits, and alternatives to a procedure. Failure to obtain informed consent can be grounds for a malpractice claim.  
• Negligent performance of the procedure: This can include surgical errors such as perforation, excessive bleeding, or failure to diagnose abnormalities.  
• Failure to adequately monitor the patient: Complications can occur during or after the procedure, and physicians have a duty to monitor patients closely.
• Misdiagnosis, and delayed diagnosis or treatment: If a complication arises, prompt diagnosis and treatment are crucial. Delays in diagnosis or treatment can worsen the outcome and form the basis of a malpractice claim.

Next Step: Call Baltimore Endoscopy Lawyer Mark Kopec

Endoscopy provides physicians with a tool for diagnosing and treating a wide range of conditions. While often safe and effective, bad outcomes can occur, and it is crucial for physicians to adhere to the standard of care to minimize risks. Patients should also be aware of the potential risks and benefits of endoscopy before having the procedure. In cases where bad outcomes arise due to negligence, patients may have grounds for a medical malpractice claim.

If you have a potential medical malpractice case, then visit the Kopec Law Firm free consultation page or video. Then contact us at 800-604-0704 to speak directly with Attorney Mark Kopec. He is a top-rated Baltimore medical malpractice lawyer. The Kopec Law Firm is in Baltimore and pursues cases throughout Maryland and Washington, D.C.