District of Columbia Superior Court
An 81-year-old woman presented to her Ob/Gyn for dilatation and curettage (D&C). During the procedure, the patient’s uterus and rectum were perforated, requiring an emergency laparotomy repair.
In suing, the woman claimed that she was not informed of the possible risks of the procedure.
The physician contended that uterine perforation is a known risk of D&C. Further, the physician argued that the woman’s retroverted uterus, diverticular disease, advanced age, and adhesions between the rectum and uterus all contributed to the perforation.
- The case settled for $350,000.