Bowel cancer surgery is often a critical and life-saving step in treatment. While many procedures are successful, it is important to recognise that surgery carries risks. Patients are usually informed about the possibility of complications, but what happens when something goes wrong that should have been avoided?
For some individuals, what appears to be a routine complication may in fact be the result of medical negligence. Understanding the distinction between an unavoidable surgical risk and negligent care is essential, especially if you are considering a medical negligence claim.
As a law firm specialising in only medical negligence claims, we regularly support clients who have suffered from substandard bowel cancer surgery that could have been avoided.
Understanding Bowel Cancer Surgery and Its Risks
Bowel cancer surgery typically involves removing a section of the colon or rectum affected by cancer. In some cases, patients may require a temporary or permanent stoma. These procedures are complex and require a high level of surgical skill and post-operation care.
Even when performed correctly, there are recognised risks, including:
- Infection and post-operative sepsis
- Internal bleeding
- Anastomotic leak (where the bowel join fails to heal properly)
- Damage to nearby organs or nerves including the bowel and bladder function
- Blood clots such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
- Temporary or permanent stoma
These are known recognised surgical complications, and their occurrence does not automatically indicate medical negligence. However, if these complications arise due to errors or failures in care, you could be eligible for a medical negligence claim.
When Does a Complication Become Medical Negligence?
Not every poor outcome gives rise to a medical negligence claim. The law requires clear evidence that the standard of care fell below what is reasonably expected of competent medical professionals.
To establish a bowel cancer negligence claim, three key elements must be proven:
Duty of Care
All healthcare professionals owe patients a duty to provide safe and appropriate treatment.
Breach of Duty
A breach occurs when the care provided falls below acceptable standards. This could include mistakes during surgery or poor monitoring after and during surgery.
Causation
It must be shown that the breach directly caused harm or significantly worsened a patient’s condition.
Common Examples of Surgical Negligence in Bowel Cancer Cases
There are multiple scenarios where complications following bowel cancer surgery may be linked to medical negligence:
A delayed diagnosis of bowel cancer can result in the disease progressing to a more advanced stage, this could require more invasive surgery and could reduce curability. Failure to recognise symptoms or refer patients to medical professionals for further treatment can also increase a patient’s risk in the cancer progressing.
Mistakes made during the operation itself such as operating on the wrong section of the bowel, accidental perforation, or poor surgical technique can lead to serious complications.
Failure to Manage Post-Operative/Aftercare Complications:
After surgery, patients must be closely monitored. A failure to detect post-surgical infection, internal bleeding, or an anastomotic leak can lead to life-threatening conditions. Aftercare is just as important as surgery especially when poor discharge decisions lead to worsening of a patient’s condition.
The Impact of Negligent Bowel Cancer Surgery
When complications are caused by negligence rather than unavoidable risk, the consequences can be severe and long-lasting. Patients may experience:
- The need for additional corrective surgeries or hospital admissions
- Permanent stoma formation
- Chronic pain or disability
- Psychological trauma, including anxiety and depression
- Reduced quality of life
- Financial losses due to inability to work
In the most serious cases, negligent care can lead to life-threatening complications or even shortness of life. These situations may justify pursuing a hospital negligence claim or NHS negligence claim.
Making a Bowel Cancer Surgery Negligence Claim
If you believe you have suffered due to negligent medical treatment, seeking legal advice is an important first step. At the Medical Law Partnership, a specialist solicitor will assess whether your case meets the legal criteria for a claim.
The process of bringing a bowel cancer surgery negligence claim typically involves:
- Reviewing medical records and treatment history
- Obtaining independent expert medical opinions
- Establishing how the standard of care was breached
- Negotiating a settlement value, compensation you may be entitled to
What Compensation Can You Claim?
A successful medical negligence compensation claim aims to put you, as far as possible, in the position you would have been in had the negligence not occurred.
Compensation may cover:
- Pain, suffering, and loss of amenity
- Medical expenses, including future treatment
- Loss of earnings and reduced earning capacity
- Costs of ongoing care and rehabilitation
- Travel and other associated expenses
Each medical negligence case is different, and the level of compensation will depend on the severity and long-term impact of the injury.
How Our Medical Negligence Solicitors Can Help
Navigating a medical negligence claim can be complex, particularly when you could be dealing with serious health issues. Our experienced team of medical negligence solicitors are here to support throughout this whole process.
- We Listen – You’ll speak to a trained legal specialist who will take the time to listen and understand your experience.
- We’ll assess your case – We’ll review the details carefully, often joining the dots others have missed.
- We’ll explain your options – In plain English, no pressure, no jargon.
- You decide what happens next – If you decide to go ahead, we’ll handle everything, and we’ll be by your side throughout.
Led by clinical and legal experts we understand the emotional and physical toll these conditions can take, we support people failed by the healthcare system, giving them the strength to move forward, the recognition they deserve, and helping raise standards through accountability and care.