Cosmetic Surgery Leads to Permanent Nerve Damage

Case Overview

This case takes place in Tennessee and involves a male patient who underwent an elective procedure performed by a plastic surgeon. Following the surgery, the patient began experiencing weakness, numbness and tingling in his right leg and hand. He continues to experience all these symptoms to date. It is believed that these symptoms are a result of ulnar nerve compression neuropathy caused by the misplacement of his right arm during surgery. As a result of the surgery, The patient also sustained herniation of the abdominal wall just above his navel. This herniation will require additional surgical intervention to repair. It is alleged that the treating plastic surgeon was negligent in his performance of the procedure.

Questions to the Plastic Surgery expert and their responses

How often do you perform this procedure?

I perform about 1-2 abdominoplasties per month and similar procedures called panniculectomies about 2-3 times per month.

Can incorrect body positioning while under direct anesthesia cause ulnar nerve damage?

Nerve injury can be caused by positioning during surgery. If there is nursing documentation of some sort of issue or problem with that arm during the surgery then you may have a case.

About the expert

This double board certified, highly qualified and experienced assistant professor of plastic and reconstructive surgery graduated from medical school Magna Cum Laude. He is a member of multiple professional organizations such as the American Council of Academic Plastic Surgeons, the American Society for Reconstructive Microsurgery and the Association for the Advancement of Wound Care. He is a member of the Plastic Surgery Research Council Education Committee, and is active in the research community. He has published numerous peer-reviewed articles in highly regarded medical journals such as the Annals of Plastic Surgery and the Journal of Surgical Research. He has lectured both nationally and internationally on a variety of surgical subjects. In addition to his academic position as assistant professor at a major university, he also practices at two high volume hospitals.

E-007960

Specialties:

Plastic Surgery