Expert Witness Explains Complications Involved in Kidney Stone Surgery

One in ten persons are reported to need assistance due to kidney stone issues within his or her lifetime. This process usually does not require help, but between ten and twenty percent cannot expel these objects themselves, and operative procedures become necessary for these individuals. Unfortunately, complications may arise where injuries occur, death is possible and other problems may arise due to surgery. There is a standard level of danger for almost all surgical processes even if the matter is simple and without greater risk than transplants and similar issues may hold.

When an expert is hired, he or she must explain how complications in kidney stone surgery could cause severe injury, death and life-altering consequences. It is important for the victim to ensure the correct person is held liable for damages and the right amount of compensation is

obtained for reversing the problem. This means proving negligence, medical malpractice or similar circumstances. In order to do this in the court room, the expert witness may need to connect evidence to the appropriate individual. Working in conjunction with the lawyer, this may be possible and it could be determined that the victim is owed enough that he or she may become whole after the incident.

The Surgery Explained

There are three common types of procedures that may be used when a kidney stone becomes a problem. This depends on the size, complex issues of the concern and similar factors as to which method will be employed. Small to medium stones may have the external shock-wave lithotripsy and ureteroscopy used, but when the kidney stones are large, the percutaneous nephrolithotomy becomes the go to method. The SWL procedure is when external shockwaves are utilized to pulverize the stones with s-ray or ultrasonic processes as a guidance system. With URS, a small scope is placed into the ureter section of the body and fragments the stones so that they are smaller and may pass without hindrance. PCNL accesses the kidney with a hole of one centimeter in the person’s back and then the stone is removed entirely through this procedure or may be pulverized through various tools.

Complications arise because these methods may be harsh to the body. Many malpractice claims have arisen due to kidney stone problems during the surgery or afterwards. The most common form of issues found in these matters is when injury has transpired to the ureter section and could lead to severe wounds or infection. Sometimes sepsis sets in and the patient is put into an intensive care circumstance where he or she could die if the concern is not treated immediately and correctly. Most surgical procedures have a certain percentage of danger, and when internal organs are harmed through medical procedures, the patient may experience pain and life-altering consequences.

Expert Witness Explains the Complications

When an expert witness has been hired for kidney stone surgery problems, he or she generally has a medical field of study behind him or her. Usually this means a direct knowledge and hands-on involvement in these procedures. This gives a more personal view on how these surgeries could lead to various complications. When the ureter is invaded by tools, there is the possibility that it could be perforated. For the victim of these incidents, this means various tissues, veins or other locations in the body could be punctured by sharp implements. Other issues could arise if the male’s anatomy is different than is expected. This could result in severe tissue damage.

Complications may also arise through dense and larger kidney stones not responding to the tools inserted into the body. If the physician is unable to appropriately manage the issue, he or she may not identify certain factors different than the standard surgery. This means the patient could be harmed further or suffers injuries that could have been avoided by someone else. The expert witness is able to explain these matters to the courtroom so they understand why compensation is needed to recover. More healthcare procedures are often required if these complications arise. With the testimony and proving the doctor was responsible for the issue, the patient may be able to recover fully through fair and reasonable compensation with successful litigation.

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Disclaimer: While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this publication, it is not intended to provide legal advice as individual situations will differ and should be discussed with an expert and/or lawyer.