Trocar use blamed for bowel perforation

Oakland County (Mich) Circuit Court

A 32-year-old woman underwent laparoscopy for the treatment of endometriosis. During the course of surgery, a trocar caused a 5-mm perforation in the woman’s bowel. A general surgeon successfully repaired the injury, leaving a 3- to 4-inch scar on her abdomen.

In suing, the patient claimed that the defendant should have used a Veress needle instead of a trocar to reduce the risk of bowel injury.

The defense maintained either instrument was appropriate, and noted that such injury is a known complication of the procedure.

• The court directed a defense verdict.