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The onset of pregnancy is usually a complete joy to the parents but, in some circumstances, such as where a previous vasectomy or sterilisation operation has been carried out, an unplanned foetus or subsequent birth could prove to be grounds for surgical error compensation if there has been a failure in the procedure due to negligence.
A man usually seeks a vasectomy because he and his partner are looking for a simple and reliable method of contraception and have either completed their family or do not wish to have children.
The operation is available freely through the NHS at a GP's surgery or hospital clinic, although it can be carried out privately, and takes no more than 30 minutes.
Normally, there are no complications for healthy individuals but, occasionally, clotting can occur, an infection develops or there may be long-term pain in the groin area. In these cases, further surgical or drug treatment may be needed.
Female sterilisation is a 99% effective form of contraception and involves cutting, sealing or clamping the fallopian tubes, thus preventing eggs from being fertilised. As with men, doctors need to be quite sure that a woman understands the consequences of the operation before undergoing it.
It is a more serious operation than a vasectomy is for men but it has become increasingly popular. In 2001, one in ten women under 50 was sterilised in the UK.
Surgeons are more willing to perform both sterilisations and vasectomies on people aged over 30 who are less likely to regret their decision later.
There is a one in 200 chance of a sterilised woman becoming pregnant despite the surgery and there is a higher risk of it being ectopic. As with men, there is a chance of complications including infection or damage to other abdominal organs.
Although it is possible for the affected tubes of both man and women to be re-joined, full fertility is unlikely to return. A reversal operation is not often available through the NHS.
In a small number of vasectomy cases, a natural return to fertility may occur but the risk is low.
Neither sterilisation nor vasectomy protects the individual against sexually transmitted infections and precautions against such should be taken where appropriate.
Both GPs and specialist doctors who carry out the operations should fully consult the patient before any operation is contemplated and explain every aspect of the procedure and its potential risks and advantages. Failing to do so may be grounds for a possible clinical negligence legal action if harm has been caused to the patient as a result.
If the surgery is carried out incorrectly and a pregnancy which is unwanted or proves dangerous to the mother or child takes place, again, there may be sufficient evidence of personal injury for a damages action to be brought.
YouClaim for surgical error compensation
The medical negligence experts at YouClaim will be happy to provide initial no-obligation legal advice about possible surgical error compensation after a sterilisation or vasectomy operation which has not had the expected outcome.
Our personal injury lawyers have helped many people to achieve their deserved recompense for the neglect or failings of medical professionals whose actions have resulted in pain, suffering or loss of earnings.
They work anywhere in the UK and, being monitored by the Solicitors Regulation Authority, have the highest standards of advocacy, coupled with an approachable and sensitive manner.
For more information about surgical error compensation, you can email us in confidence using the form on this page, communicate through echat or call to speak to one of our helpful legal staff on 0800 10 757 95.
