Legal Question in Medical Malpractice in Pennsylvania

Colon perforation

On March 17, 2005, I went to the UPMC Digested Disorders Center for the colonoscopy. After given medicine IV, I was moved to the procedure room, and then Dr. Arnold Wald came in. He spoke to me one to two sentences and then asked me to sign in a paper sheet where he had crossed. Then, Dr. Arnold Wald started his procedure. Quickly, I felt pain and moaned, he didn��t stop advancing that flexible lighted tube, until I moaned again. He perforated my descending colon where is easy to pass through like driving in a straight tunnel. I received a big abdominal surgery. I never had any gastrointestinal problem before this time. It is more perplexing to me that on April 15, 2005 I received a strange letter from UPMC medical center, and the first sentence is: This letter is to confirm your discussion with Dr. Wald regarding your colonoscopy on March 18, 2004. In July, I emailed UPMC Medical Center, and told them I never discuss anything with Dr. Arnold Wald, and he has never seen me after that disaster. I also hoped to have a copy of my colonoscopy videotape. Do I have a right to know how this perforation happened? Do I have a right to have a copy of the document of what I discussed with Dr. Wald? Should they save a videotape for evidence?


Asked on 10/02/05, 3:31 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Arthur Newmark Arthur Newmark, M.D.. Esq

Re: Colon perforation

While perforation is an "expected" complciation,

what you are describing sounds like a careless colonoscopy. There are a number of large malpractice firms in the Pittsburgh area who should be able to advise you on this.

You should contact them as soon as possible, especially if there is an issue of preserving the tape. Please feel free to contact me if you cannot find a Pittsburgh area firm that will discuss your situation - try your Yellow pages or this site:

http://www.lawguru.com/cgi/bbs/user/browseAtty.cgi

Best of luck to you. I hope your recovery has been O.K.

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Answered on 10/02/05, 5:31 pm


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