Kings County (NY) Supreme Court
A woman underwent an episiotomy during the delivery of her first child. After the procedure, she developed a rectovaginal fistula and complained of stool coming from her vagina. Her condition continued for 5 years until it was surgically repaired. Postoperatively, the woman was incapacitated for 3 months.
In suing, the woman claimed that the physician failed to recognize that he had cut into her rectum during the episiotomy.
The physician contended that the fistula was caused by either a deep hematoma under the sutures or a subclinical infection that developed from suture granuloma.
- The jury returned a verdict for the defense.