Professional Negligence Law Reporter

Doe, 46, was diagnosed as having uterine fibroids. She underwent a total hysterectomy with bilateral salpingectomy performed by Roe, a gynecological surgeon. During the procedure, Roe allegedly transected Doe’s right ureter and sutured her bladder wall to the vaginal cuff, resulting in a complete bladder perforation. Several days later, Doe went to an ER, where it was determined that she required exploratory surgery. This confirmed the transection and the perforation, which necessitated repair. Doe had a protracted recovery with multiple episodes of ureteral obstruction and kidney infections. She continues to have urinary frequency, urgency, and leakage and may require a nephrectomy in the future.

Doe sued Roe, alleging the physician negligently damaged her bladder and ureter during the hysterectomy and failed to realize this during the procedure and arrange for intraoperative repair by a urologist.

The parties settled the case for $1 million.

Citation: Doe v. Roe, Confidential Dkt. No. (Confidential Jxn., Ct., & Date).

Plaintiff counsel: Philip S. Marstiller Jr. and Edward J. McNelis III, both of Richmond, Va.