Surgical Accidents

Evaluating the Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy Case (continued)

Generally, in these claims, a case against the surgeon is generally stronger than a case against a radiologist. Surgeons have a responsibility to independently read their films and act upon them. Nevertheless, in those hospitals where a radiologist interprets the cholangiogram intraoperatively, one must include the radiologist as a defendant if the radiologist failed to forewarn the surgeon that the cholangiogram is abnormal.

Because cholangiograms are also performed to assure that no stones will be left in the common bile duct after the gallbladder is removed, some radiologists describe what they see and describe the absence of stones but fail to say that essential parts of the ducts are not visualized. Radiologists that act in this manner do so at their own risk.

Prior to inspecting the records and consulting an expert, a lawyer should develop a clear visual understanding of the bile ducts and gallbladder, particularly from a laparoscopic prospective. Several excellent anatomical and clinical texts, such as, for example, SHACKELFORD, are available for consultation on this subject.

Published in the PATLA MEDICAL MALPRACTICE NEWSLETTER.

Author: Jerry I. Meyers.

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