Colorectal surgery

Mr D saw his GP in early 1999 suffering from bloating, constipation, loss of appetite and weight loss. He was diagnosed as having diverticular disease and was treated with laxatives. His symptoms continued to persist along with a chest infection that would not improve with antibiotics.

During 2000 and 2001, Mr D saw various consultants who conducted tests in order to determine the cause of his continuing bowl problems and persistent chest infection. By this stage, Mr D was also suffering from nausea and was vomiting black liquid and by June 2001his weight had plummeted by over five stone.

Mr D was admitted to hospital in October 2001 and following surgery it was discovered that Mr D was suffering from bowel cancer. Despite chemotherapy treatment Mr D died the following year.

Although earlier diagnosis of Mr D's condition would not have prolonged his life, earlier diagnosis and treatment would have provided him with a better quality of life until he died.

We pursued a claim of negligence against the healthcare trust on the basis that the Mr D's symptoms had not been fully investigated. If Mr D's condition been properly investigated the cancer should have been detected by December 2000 and appropriate treatment would have spared Mr D from 9 to 10 months of acute abdominal pain.

The claim was settled for a total of £8,500.

This case was handled by Simon Elliman, a Partner in our Bath office.