This case takes place in Iowa and involves complications following gallbladder surgery. The patient is a female who presented to the ER on with complaints of abdominal pain, which she stated was worse on one side than the other and had persisted for some time. The patient also reported several other gastrointestinal symptoms. She was sent for a sonogram, which was preliminary read as gallstones with probable inflammation. Later, the patient underwent a laparoscopic cholecystectomy. No gallstones were identified and no filling defect, obstruction or common bile duct dilation was noted. The patient was sent to recovery in stable condition and discharged. The patient returned a few days later with ongoing abdominal pain. A CT scan revealed a perforated appendix with acute appendicitis, as well as a small abscess with fluid. The patient was then admitted for emergency surgery to remove the appendix and prevent further injury.
Question(s) For Expert Witness
1. Do you routinely treat patients similar to the one described in the case? Please explain.
2. Have you ever had a patient develop the outcome described in the case? If so, please explain.
3. Have you ever served as an expert witness on a case similar to the one described above? If so, please explain.
4. Please tell us why you’re qualified to serve as an expert reviewer of this case.
Expert Witness Response E-001161
As a general surgeon, I take care of patients with cholecystitis and appendicitis on a frequent basis. It's surprising to me that the clinical team can mistake one diagnosis for another when there are so many preoperative diagnostics to help determine the cause of abdominal pain (LFT's, CT scan, etc.). I have never had a patient develop this outcome and I have been an expert witness pertaining to a complication from gallbladder surgery.
About the author
Joseph O'Neill
Joe has extensive experience in online journalism and technical writing across a range of legal topics, including personal injury, meidcal malpractice, mass torts, consumer litigation, commercial litigation, and more. Joe spent close to six years working at Expert Institute, finishing up his role here as Director of Marketing. He has considerable knowledge across an array of legal topics pertaining to expert witnesses. Currently, Joe servces as Owner and Demand Generation Consultant at LightSail Consulting.
