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Ureter Injury
A Delicate Matter with Baltimore Ureter Injury Lawyer Mark Kopec
Understanding the Ureter
The ureter is a pair of muscular tubes that connect the kidneys to the bladder. The kidneys generally produce the urine, and the ureter transports the urine from the kidneys to the bladder for storage. Any disruption to this delicate system can specifically lead to serious health complications. If you have an injured by surgery, you may have a medical malpractice claim and need Baltimore ureter injury lawyer Mark Kopec at the Kopec Law Firm.
Surgeries That Can Injure the Ureter
A variety of surgical procedures, particularly those involving the pelvic region, can damage the ureters. These include:
- Pelvic Surgery: Procedures like hysterectomy, prostatectomy, and colorectal surgery.
- Kidney Surgery: Operations on the kidneys themselves or also nearby structures.
- Vascular Surgery: Surgeries on the blood vessels in the abdomen or pelvis.
The types of doctors who perform these surgeries include:
- Gynecologists
- Urologists
- General Surgeons
- Colorectal Surgeons
- Vascular Surgeons
How Ureter Injury Occurs
Ureteral injuries can happen in several ways:
- Direct Trauma: The ureter can be directly cut or punctured during surgery.
- Iatrogenic Injury: This occurs when the ureter is accidentally clipped, cauterized, or sutured during a surgical procedure.
- Ligating the Ureter: The ureter can be mistakenly tied off, preventing urine flow.
Effects with Baltimore Ureter Injury Lawyer Mark Kopec
A ureteral injury can lead to several serious complications:
- Urine Leak: This can cause pain, infection, and damage to surrounding tissues.
- Kidney Damage: If urine backs up into the kidneys, it can lead to kidney damage and failure.
- Hydronephrosis: This is a condition where the kidneys swell due to the buildup of urine.
Symptoms of Ureter Injury
Symptoms of a ureteral injury may include:
- Pain in the Back or Side: This pain can be severe and also persistent.
- Frequent Urination: This may be accompanied by a burning sensation.
- Blood in the Urine: This is a common symptom of urinary tract injury.
- Fever and Chills: These may indicate an infection.
- Nausea and Vomiting: These symptoms can be associated with kidney damage.
Diagnosis of Ureter Injury
If you suspect a ureteral injury, it’s important to see a doctor right away. The types of doctors who can diagnose ureteral injuries include:
- Urologists: These specialists are experts in diagnosing and treating urinary tract disorders.
- Radiologists: They can perform imaging tests to visualize the ureters.
The tests used to diagnose ureteral injury include:
- CT Scan: This imaging test provides detailed cross-sectional images of the body.
- IVP (Intravenous Pyelogram): This test involves injecting a dye into a vein to visualize the urinary tract.
- Cystoscopy: This procedure involves inserting a thin tube with a camera into the bladder to examine the urethra and bladder.
Treatment of Ureter Injury
The treatment for a ureteral injury will depend on the severity of the injury. In some cases, the injury may heal on its own. However, more serious injuries may require surgery.
The types of doctors who perform surgery to repair ureteral injuries include:
- Urologists: They generally are the primary surgeons for these procedures.
- General Surgeons: They may also perform certain types of ureteral repair surgery.
The surgical procedure to repair a ureteral injury is called ureteral reimplantation. This procedure involves reconnecting the injured ureter to the bladder.
Prognosis
The prognosis for a ureteral injury depends on the severity of the injury and the promptness of treatment. With early diagnosis and appropriate treatment, most people recover fully from a ureteral injury. However, in some cases, complications such as kidney damage may occur.
Medical Malpractice Claims with Baltimore Ureter Injury Lawyer Mark Kopec
If a ureteral injury occurs as a result of medical negligence, you may have grounds for a medical malpractice claim. Some potential claims include:
- Misdiagnosis or Failure to Diagnose: If a doctor fails to diagnose a ureteral injury, it can lead to delayed treatment and serious complications.
- Surgical error: If a surgeon accidentally injures the ureter during surgery, it may be considered medical malpractice.
- Failure to Monitor: If a doctor fails to monitor a patient after surgery and a ureteral injury develops, it may be grounds for a claim.
Next Step: Call Baltimore Ureter Injury Lawyer Mark Kopec
If you believe you have been the victim of medical malpractice, it’s important to consult with an experienced medical malpractice attorney. We can help you understand your legal rights and also pursue compensation for your injuries.
Visit the 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.