Wisconsin patients who are facing gallbladder surgery may be interested to hear about a study that has found emergency gallbladder surgery to be more at risk of complications than planned surgery. The results of this study do not reveal if these complications are due to medical malpractice or other factors. The study reviewed approximately 600 surgeries that took place over an eight month period. Of those surgeries, 22 patients had complications after the surgery. Eighteen of those patients were those who suddenly had to undergo emergency surgery. The study also revealed that undergoing surgery after 7 p.m. and being an older male were also risk factors.

While the lead investigator the size of the research conducted was too small to generalize the results or show any causes for the complications, the study indicated that it may be to a patient’s benefit to diagnose the problem earlier rather than later. In many cases, chronic gallbladder problems may lead to scarring or other damage to the organ, which may result in complications should the patient require sudden emergency surgery.

There are several symptoms that may indicate that someone is suffering from a problem with their gallbladder. The individual may suffer from pain in their upper-right abdominal area, nausea and vomiting. This usually occurs for up to four hours after a meal and is not affected by medication. Those who are suffering from this type of pain are recommended to seek medical attention.

If a medical issue is not diagnosed in a timely matter, a patient may suffer severe complications down the road. In these cases, patients may be entitled to compensation for medical malpractice or hospital negligence. A Wisconsin medical malpractice attorney may be able to help their clients by providing them strong legal representation and walking them through their available options.

Source: US News & World Report, “Complications More Likely With Emergency Gallbladder Surgery: Study“, July 03, 2013