Woman Discovers Feeding Tube Inside Stomach 35 Years After Surgery: Legal Action Taken
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Deborah Lowe, a resident of Wisconsin, has recently taken legal action against a medical centre after uncovering a feeding tube that was allegedly left inside her body during a surgery conducted nearly 35 years ago. The incident dates back to 1989 when Lowe, pregnant with twins, had to undergo an emergency c-section at Mount Sinai Medical Center in Milwaukee. Unfortunately, she faced severe complications during the delivery, leading to the heartbreaking loss of her twins and necessitating a total hysterectomy when she was only 25 years old. Following these traumatic events, Lowe spent two months on life support, during which a feeding tube was inserted, as detailed in court documents obtained by PEOPLE.
Reflecting on her ordeal, Lowe recounted having numerous tubes inserted in her body during that period, including feeding tubes. Despite being discharged from the hospital post-surgery, Lowe, now 60, started experiencing persistent abdominal pain. Over the next three decades, she sought medical assistance from multiple healthcare professionals and underwent various procedures, yet her pain remained undiagnosed. The ongoing discomfort significantly impacted her daily life, preventing her from engaging in activities she once enjoyed like working out and walking. Lowe also suffered from migraines, shortness of breath, and constant swelling in her stomach.
In an unexpected turn of events, Lowe claims that during a colon procedure in April 2024, her surgeon made a shocking discovery – the feeding tube from her 1989 surgery was still inside her body, described as “embedded in her abdominal cavity.” This revelation left Lowe in disbelief and distraught, leading her to question how such a critical oversight could have occurred. The news hit her hard, prompting emotional outbursts as she expressed how the incident had impacted her life drastically. Lowe tearfully stated that the 35-year presence of the feeding tube had deprived her of her youth, preventing her from having more children and limiting her activities.
Taking a stand against the medical negligence she believes she endured, Lowe has filed a lawsuit against Mount Sinai Medical Center, now known as Aurora Sinai Medical Center. The lawsuit includes allegations of medical negligence, breach of fiduciary duty, and emotional distress. According to court documents, the retained feeding tube is believed to have been the primary cause behind Lowe’s prolonged abdominal pain and gastrointestinal issues. The foreign object’s presence also led to extensive intra-abdominal adhesions, necessitating further surgical interventions.
B’Ivory LaMarr, Lowe’s legal representative, lodged the lawsuit on February 5, highlighting claims of medical malpractice and gross negligence on the part of the hospital staff. Seeking rightful compensation for Lowe and holding the medical personnel accountable, LaMarr has insisted on a trial by jury to address the matter appropriately. Aurora Sinai Medical Center has refrained from commenting on the issue following the lawsuit, citing a lack of legal notification as the reason for their silence. During a press conference, LaMarr condemned the alleged negligence, labelling it as one of the most appalling cases he has encountered in his legal career.
Lowe’s ordeal serves as a stark reminder of the potential failings within the healthcare system and the consequences patients may face as a result of preventable medical errors. LaMarr emphasised that no individual should endure decades of pain due to errors that could have been avoided. Lowe added her thoughts, expressing the emotional toll of living with such uncertainty about one’s health and the challenges it presents on a daily basis. The lawsuit sheds light on the need for accountability and transparency within the medical field to ensure the well-being and safety of patients are prioritised above all else.