MALPRACTICE LIABILITYFOR LYMPHADEMA AFTER

SURGERYNeed Help with an Injury? We're Here to Help. Contact Us Today: -

WHAT IS LYMPHEDEMA?

Post-surgery infection and blood clots are two ofthe more common post-operative complications.Lymphedema, while less common (it is seen mostoften in cancer patients) is a very seriouscomplication that can lead to a lifetime of healthissues. Read on to learn more about lymphedemaafter surgery, and whether it can give rise to a claimof medical malpractice.

MALPRACTICELIABILITY FORLYMPHADEMAAFTER SURGERY

What is Lymphedema?CausesTreatment Lymphedema is a condition that occurs with the

lymphatic system becomes compromised. When thelymph nodes begin to malfunction, fluid that isnormally transferred into the blood stream insteadis re-circulated directly into organ tissue, causingswelling and placing the body at risk of infection.

WWW.LAWYERTIME.COM

CAUSESLymphedema is either hereditary or caused by damage to-- or removal of -- lymph nodes Unfortunately, cancerpatients run a relatively high risk of lymphedema becausedamage to the lymphatic system is a known side effect ofradiation therapy. Lymph node removal causes the remaining lymphaticsystem to attempt to compensate for the lymph nodesthat were removed. If, for some reason, your remaininglymph nodes are unable to compensate, fluid will begin tobuild up and lymphedema may result. Damage, too, maytrigger lymphedema. Scarred or inflamed lymph nodesmay malfunction or cease to function altogether.

Lymphedema is an incurablecondition, but it is treatablethrough techniques rangingfrom pharmaceutical options tophysical therapy. Light exerciseof the affected limb(s) canencourage fluid movementwithin the lymphatic system.So, too, can bandages orspecial massage techniquesdesigned to encouragelymphatic drainage. Compression is a very commonform of treatment.Compression of the affectedarea helps fluid to flow out ofthe affected limb(s).Compression stockings areoften used on both the armsand legs, and in some cases, a“pneumatic sleeve” that isattached to a pump will inflateand deflate regularly to speedthe process along. In severecases, doctors may surgicallyremove excess tissue caused bylymphedema, but removal ofthe tissue does not equate toremoval of the condition.

FILING A PERSONAL INJURYLAWSUITWhile the majority individuals who suffer fromlymphedema generally seek compensation by filing forSocial Security Disability, in certain situations theseindividuals may also be able to file a personal injurylawsuit as well. One of the causes of lymphedema is a surgicalprocedure that damages the lymph vessels or a botchedsurgical removal of lymph nodes. In such situationswhere the negligent or reckless actions of healthcareprofessionals ultimately resulted in the patient sufferinglymphedema, the patient may be able to file alymphedema medical malpractice lawsuit.

TREATMENT

GETTING THE JUSTCOMPENSATION THAT YOUDESERVEIf you or a loved one suffers from lymphedema that wascaused by a medical procedure that involved thereckless or negligent actions of healthcareprofessionals, you should contact the New Yorklymphedema lawsuit attorneys at Gersowitz, Libo &Korek, P.C. at (646) 859-1466