THE TYPE OF CASE WE DO

Aged 33 A underwent removal of a lump close to her cervical spine.

The lump was accessed by incision through the back of the throat.

After the operation A developed systemic infection leading to long term disability.

It was A's case that the surgeon should have ensured antibiotics were given in advance of surgery to prevent infection being introduced from bacteria living on the surface of the throat.

It was A's case that prophylactic antibiotics given shortly before operation would have killed any bacteria which were introduced into the body during surgery and the subsequent infection and disability avoided.

The hospital accepted that prophylactic antibiotics should have been given and had they been given infection would have been avoided. The case was settled before trial for £525,000