A Maine woman has been awarded $17 million after surgeons mistakenly removed her bladder during a procedure intended to address a benign ovarian cyst. The damages were awarded to Emily Mitchell by a Kennebec County jury following a two-week medical malpractice trial against Northern Light Inland Hospital and Northern Light Health, according to her attorneys.
The verdict is reportedly the largest medical malpractice award in the county's history. The procedure occurred on March 1, 2023.
Surgical Error and Immediate Aftermath
According to evidence presented at trial, the surgery began as a routine gynecologic procedure. Mitchell had scheduled the surgery after imaging revealed a significant increase in the size of a benign ovarian cyst. However, what began as a routine surgery resulted in what Mitchell's attorneys described as one of the most devastating surgical errors imaginable.
Following the procedure, Mitchell's condition worsened, and she was transferred to another hospital for emergency surgery. Surgeons later discovered that her bladder had been removed during the original operation. Pathology confirmed that the tissue taken during the procedure was "full-thickness bladder tissue." Surgeons determined there was insufficient healthy bladder tissue remaining to reconstruct or repair the organ, making the damage appear irreversible.
For eight months, Mitchell relied on bilateral nephrostomy tubes to drain urine directly from her kidneys. This treatment involves surgically placing thin plastic tubes through the skin of the lower back and into both kidneys, allowing urine to flow into external bags. During this period, Mitchell reportedly experienced recurring urinary tract infections, kidney infections, multiple medical procedures, and ongoing complications.
Long-Term Repercussions and Reconstruction
Mittchell was eventually referred to Massachusetts for complex reconstructive surgery. Surgeons used a portion of her small intestine to create a new bladder, known as a neobladder. However, Mitchell's attorneys stated that she continues to live with the permanent effects of those injuries nearly three years after the original operation. She must insert a catheter multiple times a day to drain the neobladder and requires ongoing medical treatment from specialists related to the loss of her bladder.
Jury Verdict and Closure
After hearing the evidence, the jury found Northern Light Inland Hospital and Northern Light Health liable. The awarded damages cover past and future medical expenses, suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, emotional distress, and permanent impairment. Mitchell's attorneys stated that the verdict provides closure for their client, allowing her to begin moving forward after a long period of pain and suffering.