Ercp Complications Leading To Death

[Saleem]

Dear Paul,

My healthy 74 year old mother went for a ERCP procedure in October 2011 which went wrong and ultimately caused her death according to the autopsy report I received yesterday. She spent 5 months in and out of hospital in excruciating pain until she eventually passed away.

We are very angry with her doctor for recommending the procedure and the local hospital that undertook it. I would be grateful for your advise as to whether we can sue.

[shaddoc98]

Wayne,

You may have a viable medical malpractice case depending on your mother's symptoms, the testing which was performed to verify a bile duct stone and the alternatives available such as an MRCP.  The originator of the ERCP procedure is part of the United Kingdom and he would be a good source to determine if it was an appropriate procedure.  The ERCP increases the risk of pancreatitis which may be what ultimately led to your mother's death.

I suggest you speak with an attorney in your area as soon as possible.  I am sorry to hear about your mother's painful death.

Very truly yours,

Paul D. Friedman, M.A., Ph.D., J.D.