THE TYPE OF CASE WE DO

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Perforation of the uterus during dilatation and curettage (D&C) and damage to the bowel

£6,000 following bowel injury during D&C

B v Kettering HA (1990)

Aged 31 Mrs B suffered a miscarriage. Subsequently Mrs B underwent removal of the retained products of conception during which her uterus was perforated, a piece of small bowel mistaken for products of conception and torn.

Mrs B required emergency laparotomy to repair her bowel.

BREACH OF DUTY

It was Mrs B's case that the fact of her injury demonstrated the doctor had been negligent in performing the D&C.

OUTCOME

The Court found that although uterine perforation was a relatively common and likely to be a non negligent complication of D&C that to perforate the uterus and go onto pull and damage a piece of small bowel represented unacceptable surgical technique.

Compensation was awarded of £6,000 to reflect the scarring and six months pain and suffering Mrs B endured before making a good recovery.