Woman suffers burns during routine hysterectomy
Ms Z, aged 43 at the time of the injury, underwent a routine vaginal hysterectomy. Immediately on awaking from the procedure, Ms Z suffered severe burning sensations in her vulval region and several large blisters. Despite initially being advised that she had suffered an allergic reaction, it later transpired that Ms Z had suffered full thickness vaginal burns.
During the procedure, there had been a failure to ensure that the surgical equipment was working correctly. One of the pads that protects the vulval region had dried, allowing the diathermy equipment to burn the surrounding skin.
The Trust made an early admission of liability, without the need for expert input and Court involvement. Ms Z recovered £10,000 in compensation.