Failed management of uterine fibroids leads to total Hysterectomy for 45 year old woman.
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The Injury
Ms S had a history of heavy and painful periods caused by uterine fibroids. Despite various medical treatments, her symptoms became so severe that they had begun to affect her daily life. Ms S had a MyoSure procedure in 2015 which is a minimally invasive procedure done to remove fibroids. After the procedure Ms S’s symptoms improved for a short time but gradually returned. Ms S experienced heavy periods with her requiring both tampons and pads at the same time and she could not be far from a toilet. She was prescribed medication and hormonal tablets, but these had little effect.
Over the following years, Ms S’s periods became extremely heavy and painful again, causing significant distress and disrupting her daily life. By early 2019, the bleeding had become continuous and extremely painful, and Ms S’s GP referred her back to hospital for further investigations.
Scans and further investigations confirmed that the fibroids had regrown, and Ms S was advised to undergo a second MyoSure procedure. Ms S was reassured that the procedure would remove the fibroids and normalise her periods and that the risk of complications were low.
Ms S underwent a second procedure in September 2019, during which the surgeon was unable to remove all of the fibroids and Ms S was discharged on the same day. Unfortunately, the same evening Ms S became very unwell and had to call an ambulance, she was rushed to Leicester Royal Infirmary where she was found to have internal bleeding caused by a perforation to her uterus and a tear to her bowel. This was caused during her MyoSure procedure. Ms S required an emergency laparotomy – an open abdominal operation to repair the damage. Ms S spent several days in intensive care and needed months to recover, leaving Ms S unable to care for her young son or return to work.
Despite further treatment and monthly hormone injections to chemically induce menopause Ms S’s symptoms returned again.
Ms S was told that the only way to stop the symptoms was to undergo a total hysterectomy with removal of both her ovaries. This was carried out in July 2021. The procedure was successful, but the experience had a major emotional and physical impact on her life. Ms S has since struggled with the effects of early menopause, finding suitable HRT and the impact on her mental health.
Represented by [Ms Kirsty Dakin], a Specialist Medical Negligence Solicitor at MDS, “the case was settled after negotiations with the Defendant, but liability was not admitted”.
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What Happened to Our Client?
Our client had suffered from heavy and painful periods for many years. In 2015, she was diagnosed with a large fibroid and had some of it removed in a procedure. Her symptoms returned by 2017, and she once again experienced extreme bleeding and pain.
Despite medication, her condition worsened. In 2019, she was referred to hospital and advised to undergo another Myosure procedure to remove the fibroids. She was informed that this would restore normal periods and would be a low-risk procedure.
The surgery took place on September 2019. Soon after returning home, she developed unbearable abdominal and pelvic pain. She contacted 111 and was taken to hospital, where scans revealed severe internal bleeding caused by a perforation to her uterus and injury to her bowel.
She underwent emergency surgery during which surgeons repaired the injuries. She was treated in intensive care and could not care for her 10-year-old son or return to work for several weeks.
Following her recovery, she was prescribed monthly hormone injections to control the bleeding which induce menopause. These caused her to suffer hot flushes, night sweats, weight gain and emotional instability. Despite the treatment, the bleeding and pain returned.
In July 2021, she underwent a full hysterectomy to remove her uterus and both ovaries. Although the surgery ended her bleeding, it caused the early menopause. Since then, she has experienced ongoing menopausal symptoms, difficulty finding suitable hormone replacement therapy, and worsening mental health.
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How can MDS help you?
While no amount of compensation will ever be enough for your or a family member’s suffering, if you or a loved one has been affected by healthcare negligence, we can help you through the legal process for investigating your concerns against a healthcare professional and your negligence claim if there is one.
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The Outcome of the Case
We were instructed to investigate a claim for medical negligence on Ms S’s behalf. Expert evidence was obtained from specialists to consider whether the procedure was carried out appropriately, whether it was the correct procedure and if there were failures to recognise and manage the post-surgical uterine perforation and bowel damage. The expert evidence supported a claim that the injuries sustained were avoidable and had long-term physical and psychological effects. Our client suffered the following injuries:
- Uterine perforation
- Bowel damage
- Emergency repair surgery
- Prolonged hormonal injections causing menopausal symptoms
- Total hysterectomy
- Early menopause requiring ongoing hormonal replacement therapy
- Affect on mental health
A settlement was agreed, and compensation was paid to our client.
Disclaimer
Whilst our case studies are designed to give an indication of the outcomes that can be achieved in these circumstances, the compensation awarded in individual cases can vary significantly due to a range of factors, including the severity of injury, effects on life expectancy and financial impact, for example. For more information, contact us today.
Our Approach
We will support you, guide you and be your voice throughout.
If you are concerned about the medical treatment that you or a loved one has received, please contact us and one of our specialist team will assist you.
