Malpractice Liability for Lymphadema After Surgery

MALPRACTICE LIABILITY FOR LYMPHADEMA AFTER SURGERY Need Help with an Injury? We're Here to Help. Contact Us Today: -

MALPRACTICE LIABILITY FOR LYMPHADEMA AFTER SURGERY

Post-surgery infection and blood clots are two of the more common post-operative complications.

Lymphedema, while less common (it is seen most often in cancer patients) is a very serious complication that can lead to a lifetime of health issues. Read on to learn more about lymphedema after surgery, and whether it can give rise to a claim of medical malpractice.

What is Lymphedema?

Causes Treatment

WHAT IS LYMPHEDEMA? Lymphedema is a condition that occurs with the lymphatic system becomes compromised. When the lymph nodes begin to malfunction, fluid that is normally transferred into the blood stream instead is re-circulated directly into organ tissue, causing swelling and placing the body at risk of infection.

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CAUSES Lymphedema is either hereditary or caused by damage to -- or removal of -- lymph nodes Unfortunately, cancer patients run a relatively high risk of lymphedema because damage to the lymphatic system is a known side effect of radiation therapy.

Lymph node removal causes the remaining lymphatic system to attempt to compensate for the lymph nodes that were removed. If, for some reason, your remaining lymph nodes are unable to compensate, fluid will begin to build up and lymphedema may result. Damage, too, may trigger lymphedema. Scarred or inflamed lymph nodes may malfunction or cease to function altogether.

FILING A PERSONAL INJURY LAWSUIT While the majority individuals who suffer from lymphedema generally seek compensation by filing for Social Security Disability, in certain situations these individuals may also be able to file a personal injury lawsuit as well.

One of the causes of lymphedema is a surgical procedure that damages the lymph vessels or a botched surgical removal of lymph nodes. In such situations where the negligent or reckless actions of healthcare professionals ultimately resulted in the patient suffering lymphedema, the patient may be able to file a lymphedema medical malpractice lawsuit.

GETTING THE JUST COMPENSATION THAT YOU DESERVE If you or a loved one suffers from lymphedema that was caused by a medical procedure that involved the reckless or negligent actions of healthcare professionals, you should contact the New York lymphedema lawsuit attorneys at Gersowitz, Libo & Korek, P.C. at (646) 859-1466

TREATMENT Lymphedema is an incurable condition, but it is treatable through techniques ranging from pharmaceutical options to physical therapy. Light exercise of the affected limb(s) can encourage fluid movement within the lymphatic system.

So, too, can bandages or special massage techniques designed to encourage lymphatic drainage.

Compression is a very common form of treatment.

Compression of the affected area helps fluid to flow out of the affected limb(s).

Compression stockings are often used on both the arms and legs, and in some cases, a “pneumatic sleeve” that is attached to a pump will inflate and deflate regularly to speed the process along. In severe cases, doctors may surgically remove excess tissue caused by lymphedema, but removal of the tissue does not equate to removal of the condition.