Failure to Diagnose & Treat Appendicitis

Our Michigan medical malpractice lawyers frequently represent clients cases against negligent doctors, clinics, emergency rooms and hospitals. One type of case is the failure to properly treat and diagnose the condition of appendicitis.

Appendicitis is an inflammation of the appendix. The appendix is a finger-shaped pouch that hangs from the colon on the right side of the abdomen. Appendicitis occurs when this pouch becomes filled with pus. The appendix has no known essential purpose, but it can be a source of potentially severe problems if it becomes infected or inflamed.

The primary symptom of appendicitis is abdominal pain. This pain usually begins near the center of the abdomen by the navel, and then shifts gradually to the lower right side until it finally settles about midway between the navel and the top of the right pelvic bone. It should be noted that young children and women who are pregnant may experience pain in additional places in their abdomen. In a typical case, pain will increase over a 6 to 12 hour period, and ultimately it may become very severe.

Tests for diagnosing appendicitis usually include a review of the patient's medical history and, at a minimum, physical examination of the abdomen including the right side near where the appendix is located. Abdominal pain associated with appendicitis often becomes more severe immediately after pressure on the appendix is released (rebound pain).

In addition to the physical exam, a doctor may recommend blood, urine, or imaging tests. These tests can specify the problem is appendicitis and rule out other possible problems such as ectopic pregnancy, certain ovarian cysts, kidney stones, and Crohn's disease.

The failure to order such tests can lead to a delay in diagnosing the abdominal pain as appendicitis. If diagnosis and treatment are delayed too long, the inflamed appendix may rupture, releasing infectious materials into the abdominal cavity. This is a medical emergency, which can be extremely serious even if it is treated immediately after the rupture.

Prior to rupture, appendicitis is treated by surgically removing the appendix. In most instances, this is routine surgery from which a patient should be able to fully recover. In some instances, however, medical errors can occur during this surgery. Sometimes, a negligent delay in diagnosis or treatment will require the surgery to be performed under rushed conditions to avoid a rupture.

When a doctor fails to diagnose or treat appendicitis or when a doctor fails to treat appendicitis properly, the patient may have a claim for medical malpractice. The medical malpractice lawyers at Buckfire & Buckfire, P.C. are available to evaluate any possible mistakes in your treatment.

Patients can learn more about medical malpractice lawsuits by visiting our firm's medical malpractice section. Another great resource on Michigan medical malpractice cases is our FREE BOOK, "The Ultimate Medical Malpractice Handbook," which will answer many questions you may have on these cases.

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