Settlement for the family of man who died from delayed sigmoid volvulus diagnosis

Ali Masterson, Trainee Legal Executive in our Medical Negligence team, has obtained a settlement for the family of Mr M who sadly died following delayed treatment for a sigmoid volvulus (the twisting of the sigmoid colon which results in a bowel obstruction).

Mr M was admitted to Southampton Hospital suffering from dizzy spells, chest pain and stomach pain. The initial abdominal X-ray was suggestive of a sigmoid volvulus.

Care was provided by the Trust; however, Mr M sadly died 24 hours later.

The Trust undertook an internal investigation and, amongst other issues, issues were identified concerning the lack of formally agreed management guidelines in place for the treatment of patients with sigmoid volvulus, failing to obtain a CT scan, and failing to refer Mr M for endoscopic intervention at the appropriate time.

Ali Masterson comments: “The Trust had identified issues within the care provided to Mr M, which the family said clearly contributed to the tragic outcome in this case. Following their internal investigation, the Trust have put measures in place to reduce the risk of this happening again. I was pleased to be able to support and advise the family through this process.”

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