Decision Report 201802832

Summary

Mr C complained about the care and treatment he received during two admissions at Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh. During our consideration of Mr C's complaint, we received independent advice from a consultant colorectal surgeon (a surgeon who specialises in conditions in the colon, rectum or anus) and a registered nurse.

During Mr C's first admission, he was diagnosed with appendicitis and received surgery to remove his appendix. Mr C was unhappy that his appendix was not fully removed during the procedure. We found that the initial assessment and treatment were appropriate and timely. We noted that whilst part of Mr C's appendix was not removed, this was a rare but recognised complication of the surgery. We did not conclude that there was an unreasonable failing by staff that resulted in this complication. We were also satisfied that Mr C's discharge from the ward was reasonable. We did not uphold this complaint.

During Mr C's second admission, he was diagnosed with stump appendicitis (recurrent inflammation of the residual appendix after the appendix has been only partially removed during surgery). Further surgery was performed to remove the residual appendix tissue. Following the procedure, Mr C's recovery was complicated by infection. We found that the second procedure had been carried out to a very high standard. We considered that the post-operative care was reasonable and we noted that there were appropriate arrangements made for wound care in the community following Mr C's discharge. We did not uphold this complaint.