Bowel injury leads to long recovery

Shelby County (Tenn) Circuit Court

An elderly woman underwent a hysterectomy as treatment for endometrial cancer. During the procedure the bowel was injured. Two days later a second surgery was performed to repair the bowel, but was unsuccessful. After a third surgery, an abdominal infection and a fistula developed, requiring a lengthy recuperation.

In suing, the woman claimed the defendant negligently performed the first surgery. The defendant contended that the injury was a surgical complication due to dense adhesions encountered during the first procedure.

• The jury returned a defense verdict.