Bowel Injury

Bowel Injury During Surgery: A Guide with Baltimore Bowel Injury Lawyer Mark Kopec

The Kopec Law Firm provides you with this webpage of information about bowel injuries that can occur during surgery. It covers the anatomy of the bowel, types of surgeries that can injure the bowel, how they can injure the bowel, symptoms of a bowel injury, diagnosis and treatment, and potential medical malpractice claims.  If you have been injured, then you may have a medical malpractice claim and need Baltimore bowel injury lawyer Mark Kopec.

Anatomy of the Bowel

The bowel, also known as the intestine, is a long, muscular tube that is part of the digestive system. It has two main sections: the small intestine and the large intestine.

• Small intestine: The small intestine is the longest part of the digestive tract, measuring about 20 feet in length. It is responsible for absorbing most of the nutrients from food. The small intestine has three sections: the duodenum, the jejunum, and the ileum.
• Large intestine: The large intestine is about 5 feet long and is responsible for absorbing water and electrolytes from food. It also stores waste products until they are eliminated from the body. The large intestine is divided into four sections: the cecum, the colon, the rectum, and the anus.

Types of Surgeries that Can Injure the Bowel

Bowel injuries can occur during any type of surgery that involves the abdomen or pelvis. Generally, some of the most common surgeries that can injure the bowel include:

• Hysterectomy: This is a surgical procedure to remove the uterus.
• Appendectomy: This is a surgical procedure to remove the appendix.
• Colon resection: This is a surgical procedure to remove part of the colon.
• Laparoscopic surgery: This is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that uses small incisions and special instruments.

How the Bowel Can Be Injured

Bowel injuries can occur in a number of ways during surgery, including:

• Direct injury: Surgical errors can cause surgical instruments can directly injure the bowel, such as a scalpel or a cauterizing device.
• Thermal injury: The bowel can be injured by heat from a cauterizing device or laser.
• Iatrogenic injury: This type of injury occurs as a result of medical treatment, such as surgery.
• Ischemia: This is a condition in which the blood supply to the bowel is reduced, which can then lead to tissue death.

Symptoms of a Bowel Injury

The symptoms of a bowel injury can vary depending on the severity of the injury. Generally, some common symptoms include:

• Abdominal pain: This is the most common symptom of a bowel injury. The pain may be sharp, cramping, or dull.
• Abdominal distention: This is a condition in which the abdomen becomes swollen.
• Nausea and vomiting: These symptoms may occur as a result of the bowel injury or as a side effect of medications.
• Changes in bowel habits: These may include constipation, diarrhea, or bloody stools.
• Fever: This may be a sign of infection.

Doctors to See for a Bowel Injury

If you think you may have a bowel injury, it is important to see a doctor right away. You may need to see a general surgeon, a gastroenterologist, or a colorectal surgeon.

Diagnosing a Bowel Injury

A doctor can diagnose a bowel injury by performing a physical examination and reviewing your medical history. They may also order tests, such as:

• Blood tests: These tests can help to check for signs of infection or other problems.
• X-Rays: These can help to visualize the bowel and identify any abnormalities.
• CT Scan: This is a type of X-ray that can provide more detailed images of the bowel.
• MRI: This is a type of imaging test that uses magnetic fields to create images of the body.

Treating a Bowel Injury

The treatment for a bowel injury will depend on the severity of the injury. In some cases, doctors may be able to repair the injury during the original surgery. In other cases, doctors may have to perform additional surgery to repair the injury.

Potential Medical Malpractice Claims with Baltimore Bowel Injury Lawyer Mark Kopec

If you believe that medical malpractice caused your bowel injury, you may be able to file a lawsuit against the doctor or hospital. Medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare provider fails to provide care that meets the standard of care, and this failure results in harm to the patient.

To prove medical malpractice, you will need to show that the doctor or hospital owed you a duty of care, that they breached that duty of care, and that their breach of duty caused you harm.

If after a bowel injury, you have a permanent colostomy or severe digestive problems, you should call the Kopec Law Firm right away to discuss your potential case

Next Step: Call Baltimore Bowel Injury Lawyer Mark Kopec

If you are considering filing a medical malpractice lawsuit, it is important to talk to an attorney. We can help you understand your legal rights and options.

Visit our free consultation page or video. Then contact the Kopec Law Firm 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.