This case involves a 5-year-old female who presented to the ER with abdominal pain. She had a past medical history significant for developmental delay and required an intravenous total parenteral nutrition feeding tube placement (TPN) several months prior. The patient was admitted for observation, x-rays were ordered but the interpretation of imaging at this time was abdominal pain due to constipation and the patient was discharged. The following day the patient returned to the hospital with increasing pain and at this time abdominal imaging studies revealed a dilated intestine with possible perforation. The patient was brought into surgery and a volvulus was discovered to be the cause of the pain. According to the medical records, the patient experienced a prolonged lack of blood supply to the abdominal viscera and subsequently sustained a significant amount of bowel necrosis. The patient could not be weaned off the ventilator post operatively and the family decided to withdraw life support shortly thereafter.
Question(s) For Expert Witness
The issue is whether the CT scan would have revealed the volvulus immediately and would this have made a difference in the outcome of the surgery had it been performed sooner?
Expert Witness Response E-004694
I can say with a great deal of certainty that this patient would have benefited from a timely diagnosis and prompt institution of surgical intervention. In any field it is the physician's duty to rule out any life threatening causes of illness before adopting an observation approach and it seems more aggressive care was warranted here.
About the author
Michael Talve, CEO
Michael Talve stands at the forefront of legal innovation as the CEO and Managing Director of Expert Institute. Under his leadership, the Expert Institute has established itself as a vital player in the legal technology arena, revolutionizing how lawyers connect with world-class experts and access advanced legal technology. Michael's role involves not only steering the company's strategic direction but also ensuring the delivery of unparalleled intelligence and cutting-edge solutions to legal professionals. His work at Expert Institute has been instrumental in enhancing the capabilities of attorneys in case preparation and execution, making a significant impact on the legal industry's approach to expert consultation and technological integration. Michael's vision and execution have positioned the Expert Institute as a key facilitator in the intersection of law and technology.
