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Failure to Diagnose Appendicitis in White Plains

Appendicitis is a unique medical emergency—easily treatable with surgery but potentially life-threatening when misdiagnosed or left untreated. The failure to diagnose appendicitis is a leading cause of medical malpractice claims against emergency room doctors. Research indicates that emergency room physicians fail to diagnose acute appendicitis in 7.1% of cases. Studies on insurance claims further reveal that up to 6% of adults and 4.4% of children with appendicitis receive a misdiagnosis or missed diagnosis during their initial ER visit. When a medical provider fails to recognize appendicitis, the delay can lead to a ruptured appendix, spreading a dangerous infection throughout the abdomen.

What Is the Appendix and Appendicitis?

The appendix is a small, finger-shaped organ attached to the large intestine in the lower right abdomen. While once thought to be a vestigial organ with no function, recent research suggests it may play a role in digestion by storing beneficial probiotics. Appendicitis occurs when the appendix becomes blocked by hardened fecal matter, a foreign object, a seed, or inflammation of unknown origin. This blockage causes an infection, leading to swelling and pus accumulation. If left untreated, the infected appendix can rupture, allowing the infection to spread throughout the abdominal cavity. An estimated 5-9% of people will develop appendicitis in their lifetime.

Symptoms of Appendicitis

Many symptoms of appendicitis are non-specific, meaning they resemble various gastrointestinal conditions. This makes misdiagnosis more likely when doctors fail to conduct appropriate tests. Common symptoms include:

These symptoms mimic food poisoning, stomach viruses, and other digestive disorders. However, a key indicator of appendicitis is:

When a doctor suspects appendicitis, they should order tests such as a white blood cell count and imaging (CT scan, ultrasound, or MRI) to confirm the diagnosis. If appendicitis is detected, it requires immediate surgery and antibiotics to prevent rupture and life-threatening complications.

What Happens When an Appendix Ruptures?

As the infection worsens, the appendix swells and stretches. If not surgically removed in time, it bursts, spreading bacteria into the abdominal cavity. In severe cases, pieces of the appendix can scatter, making surgery more complex and increasing the risk of widespread infection. After surgery for a ruptured appendix, patients require IV antibiotics and hospitalization for three to seven days, compared to one to three days for a standard appendectomy. Each year, over 5,000 Americans die from a ruptured appendix, with a current mortality rate of 8%.

Consequences of a Failure to Diagnose Appendicitis

When a doctor fails to diagnose appendicitis, it often leads to:

For example, a misdiagnosed patient sent home with a suspected stomach virus may take medications that worsen their condition. A heating pad applied to a sore abdomen can increase the risk of rupture. A patient may not return to the ER until they have already suffered a perforation and developed life-threatening sepsis.

Proving Liability in a Medical Malpractice Claim for Appendicitis Misdiagnosis

To prove medical malpractice, a claim must establish:

  1. A doctor-patient relationship existed at the time of the misdiagnosis
  2. The doctor had a duty to provide care at the accepted medical standard
  3. The doctor breached that duty through negligence
  4. The breach directly caused the patient’s worsened condition
  5. The patient suffered significant damages as a result

A delayed appendicitis diagnosis can cause devastating financial losses, physical suffering, and, in some cases, wrongful death, leading to additional emotional and economic harm to surviving family members.

Recoverable Damages in an Appendicitis Malpractice Claim

Victims of medical malpractice due to a misdiagnosed or delayed appendicitis diagnosis may recover compensation for:

While financial compensation cannot undo the harm caused by a misdiagnosis, it can alleviate the economic burden of extended medical care and provide justice for the victim and their family.

Preventing the Misdiagnosis of Appendicitis

The timely diagnosis of appendicitis is critical for preventing complications, but misdiagnoses can happen due to a variety of factors. In emergency settings, doctors may be under pressure to make quick decisions, which increases the risk of overlooking symptoms. Additionally, some patients may not present classic symptoms, such as pain in the lower right abdomen, making it harder to correctly identify the condition.

There are several strategies that doctors and medical professionals can use to prevent misdiagnosis:

  1. Thorough Examination and Patient History: A complete history and physical exam, including asking detailed questions about the onset and type of pain, nausea, or changes in bowel movements, can help narrow down the cause.
  2. Appropriate Imaging: If appendicitis is suspected, imaging tests such as a CT scan, ultrasound, or MRI can provide a clear view of the appendix and confirm or rule out inflammation or rupture.
  3. Awareness of Special Cases: In some cases, such as with children, the elderly, or pregnant women, appendicitis may present with atypical symptoms. Doctors should be especially vigilant in these populations.
  4. Utilizing Diagnostic Protocols: Many hospitals and emergency departments follow specific guidelines and diagnostic protocols for suspected appendicitis, which can reduce the chances of oversight.

By improving diagnostic practices and ensuring doctors are aware of all potential symptoms, misdiagnosis of appendicitis can be minimized, leading to faster, more accurate treatments and better patient outcomes.

How Can a Medical Malpractice Attorney in White Plains, New York Help?

Hospitals, doctors, and insurance companies often dispute medical malpractice claims. A successful case requires thorough investigation, expert medical testimony, and skilled negotiation. In some cases, litigation is necessary. The experienced White Plains medical malpractice attorneys and Westchester County medical malpractice lawyers at Fiedler Deutsch, LLP fight for victims of medical malpractice in White Plains and throughout New York. If you or a loved one suffered complications due to a failure to diagnose appendicitis, contact our firm for a consultation and learn how we can help you pursue justice.