Male Patient Suffers Pancreatits Complication After Undergoing ERCP
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By
Brett H. Oppenheimer, PLLC
Even though it is less common for a male patient to undergo an ERCP (Endoscopic
Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography) than a female patient, sometimes
men do undergo this test. This caller was a middle aged male who had undergone
an ERCP and had suffered the complications known as pancreatitis. ERCP
is a method for doctors to evaluate problems with the patient’s
pancreas, gall bladder, bile ducts and liver. These are the organs which
assist with digestion. To perform an ERCP the physician uses an endoscope
(flexible tube with a camera and light and, sometimes, a small tool).
Typically dye will be injected and x-rays will be taken which will allow
the doctor to observe these organs. Certain risks are present, including
the risk of pancreatitis. However, it may be a situation such that the
patient was not even a candidate for ERCP in the first place. Complications
from ERCP form the basis of many medical malpractice cases. However, the
mere fact the patient has a post-ERCP complication does not confirm that
malpractice has occurred. This caller was wise in contacting an attorney
to evaluate his potential claim.
