Surgeons removed woman’s ovary without her consent

A woman has received £20,000 in damages after doctors removed both her ovaries, when she had only provided consent for the removal of one.

The woman underwent surgery in 2010 to remove ovarian cysts, and had given consent that one of her ovaries could be removed.

However, during the operation, the surgeons removed both ovaries and the woman’s uterus. They then failed to provide the woman with hormone replacement therapy immediately after the operation. This left her at risk of developing conditions such as osteoarthritis and cardiovascular disease.

As a result of the operation, the woman entered the menopause nine years earlier than she would otherwise have done.

She sought compensation, claiming that the surgeons had been negligent in removing the second ovary without her consent.

The hospital admitted liability and the case was settled out of court. The woman received £20,000 in damages. The figure was a combined total to compensate for her pain, suffering and loss of amenity.

Madeline Seibert said: “This is a very distressing case in which surgeons seemed to take it upon themselves to make decisions about the patient’s treatment without even consulting her. The result was unnecessary pain and suffering. Thankfully the hospital accepted liability, enabling the case to be settled out of court.”

Please contact Madeline on 01279 638 866 or email her if you would like information or advice about making a clinical negligence claim.