R&B Settles Gastric Bypass Medical Malpractice Suit in Chicago

Tony Romanucci

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Michael Cabay entered Loyola University Medical Center in March 2001 for a routine gastric bypass surgery.

According to WebMD:

More than 177,000 people in the U.S. had weight loss surgery in 2006.

"Roux-en-Y" gastric bypass surgery -- where most of the stomach is bypassed and a small stomach pouch is made -- is the most commonly performed weight loss surgery today, accounting for about 80% of all weight loss surgery in the U.S.

The surgery was successfully performed. Following the surgery, on March 22, 2001, Michael Cabay, began experiencing severe abdominal pain.

The surgeon was aware of Michael's condition and concerned that he may be developing a post surgical complication. Due to Michael's continued abdominal pain, a CT scan was ordered at 9:00 p.m. on March 22, 2001 on an emergency (stat) basis. The CT scan showed a partial bowel obstruction. However, a report was not completed until the following day. Subsequently, Michael Cabay developed an anastomotic leak as a result of the obstruction, became septic and died. The leak occurred because there was too much gas in the bowel that was not released before the pressure built up enough to cause a rupture of the surgical site. R&B was able to obtain a multi-million settlement as a result of Loyola's negligence. We are very pleased that this result was obtained and that Michael's children will be taken care of for the rest of their lives despite the fact that Michael will not be with them.

For more information on this subject, please refer to the section on Medical Malpractice and Negligent Care.