Robotic Prostatectomy Patient Sues Over Lacerated Bowel

A surgical robot advertised as being less risky for prostatectomy procedures than traditional surgery allegedly caused a man to suffer extensive wounds and ongoing medical complications, according to a new da Vinci robot lawsuit filed against Intuitive Surgical Inc.

The Texas plaintiff reportedly was set to have his prostate removed after being diagnosed with cancer  in 2012. According to the da Vinci robot lawsuit, the device malfunctioned, resulting in a lacerated bowel. Problems continued, and he “ultimately suffered septic shock, abdominal compartment syndrome, renal failure, acidosis and numbness in the hips and knees.”

He is still partially disabled through pain and impairment, and his wife is also a named plaintiff due to her reported loss of consortium as a result of his injuries. None of that would have happened, the da Vinci lawsuit alleges, had Intuitive Surgical properly designed, tested and advertised its robot surgery system.

It is a monopolar system, which means that the it requires the patient remain in constant contact with a return electrode or “patient plate,” allowing the current to only flow through the path desired by the surgeon. However, there are safer options, according to the couple’s lawsuit, including bipolar systems where the current solely passes through whatever tool the surgeon is using, limiting the potential for problems similar to da Vinci robot surgery complications.

Along with the plate or return electrode, metal areas of the system must be insulated properly. Otherwise, arcs of current can travel through unintended areas leading to organ laceration and other problems. The couple alleges that the da Vinci robot system “lacks adequate insulation for its arms…. [which] becomes torn and worn in places.”

Further, the da Vinci robot lawsuit alleges that the company fails to adequately monitor adverse event reports and report them to the FDA and to the public and that it continues to advertise the da Vinci robot surgery system as safe despite the defects previously noted.

The da Vinci robot surgery lawsuit is David Garlich et al. v. Intuitive Surgical, Inc., Case No. 13-cv-03419, U.S. District Court, Northern District of Texas.

If you have dealt with organ lacerations, burns or other complications during a da Vinci robotic surgery, learn about your legal options. Get started by visiting the Da Vinci Robot Surgery Class Action Lawsuit Investigation where you can submit your case information for a no-cost legal review. Qualified parties will receive a free consultation with a da Vinci robot surgery lawsuit lawyer.