I had laproscopic gallbladder surgery 14 years ago. A staple was just discovered near my tailbone. Is there any logical explanation for why it is there? I remember the surgeon acting strange - not wanting to answer questions. Shortly after the surgery I became unable to move one of my legs. It got better but I have been suffering from severe hip pain for all 14 years. Doctors have been unable to figure out the source of the hip pain. Now this staple has shown up. So, is there a logical reason for there being a staple by my tailbone, or do I smell malpractice?
2007-01-14 08:54:23 · 5 answers · asked by gnuoctathorpe 1 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Other - Diseases
It is possible that a skin closure - staple - was left in situ and has since made it's way to the location that you mention. They are used internally with bone surgery, but for the surgery you describe metal clips are not usually used internally.
It has been known for broken needles from an injection to make their way to a location removed from the injection site. This is usually by muscular action.
Hope this helps
matador 89
2007-01-14 09:16:12 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm a nurse and worked OR for 3 years. Most surgeons act strange. There should not be a staple so low in the abdomen from the gallbladder surgery. Sometimes the staple gun might not grab the tissue enough and possibly drop into the abdomen and migrate down but I cannot say this is what happened. Staples are used every day to close in place of sutures. They are found inside most people that have had surgery. I doubt you have a malpractice suit.
I would suggest a gentle chiropractor for the hip pain. Hip pain is often referred pain resulting from some problem in the spine. I know this firsthand.
Good luck.
2007-01-14 17:06:36 · answer #2 · answered by nurserachet_0000 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Sounds to me like what a surgeon would call, in medical terms, an OHSHIT. I feel for you, but have my doubts about success with malpractice 14 years later. Consult a GOOD attorney (as opposed to an ambulance chaser) would be my advice to you. Not sure if it is possible, but any chance you might have swallowed it in some meal at some time?
2007-01-14 17:06:15 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's a little late (by 7 years) to sue for malpractice.
The staple could have broken loose and just gradually worked its way through the peritoneal cavity to lodge near your rectum. It's unlikely that it is the source of your hip pain (it could possibly cause sciatic pain, but that's not near the hip). Have you had X rays of your hip? It might be arthritis or bursitis.
2007-01-14 17:01:51 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
they use them to sew you up when they are finished
2007-01-14 16:58:17 · answer #5 · answered by tobabill 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋