Woman Suffers Amputations After Fibroid Removal Surgery

A $2.38 million settlement was reached after a fibroid removal surgery caused septic shock, resulting in bilateral finger and toe amputations.

Mar. 17, 2026 at 2:07am

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A 35-year-old woman underwent a hysteroscopic myomectomy procedure to remove uterine fibroids, but the surgery resulted in a perforated uterus and colon, leading to septic shock. The patient suffered multi-organ failure and required amputations of her fingers and toes due to the complications from the surgery.

Why it matters

This case highlights the serious risks and potential complications that can arise from seemingly routine fibroid removal procedures. It underscores the importance of proper surgical technique, post-operative monitoring, and timely recognition and treatment of complications to prevent devastating outcomes for patients.

The details

During the fibroid removal surgery, the defendant obstetrician had difficulty visualizing the fibroid and ended up perforating the patient's uterus and sigmoid colon. The patient was discharged home despite abnormal vital signs and continued pain, and the next day was rushed to the ER where she was diagnosed with sepsis. She required emergency surgery, where her uterus and colon perforations were discovered. Over the next two weeks in the ICU, the patient developed multi-organ failure due to septic shock, and ultimately required amputations of her fingers and toes due to gangrene.

  • The surgery was performed on an unspecified date.
  • The next morning, the patient was taken to the defendant OB's office due to extreme pain, chills, nausea and vomiting.
  • The patient was then taken to the ER, where she was diagnosed with sepsis.
  • The patient underwent emergency surgery on an unspecified date.
  • The patient was in the ICU for two weeks following the surgery.

The players

Defendant Obstetrician

The obstetrician who performed the fibroid removal surgery on the patient.

35-year-old Patient

The patient who underwent the fibroid removal surgery and suffered complications leading to amputations.

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What’s next

The case was resolved through a $2.38 million settlement in November 2025.

The takeaway

This tragic case underscores the critical importance of patient safety and proper surgical technique during routine procedures. It serves as a sobering reminder that even minor missteps can lead to devastating, life-altering consequences for patients. Healthcare providers must remain vigilant and prioritize comprehensive post-operative monitoring to quickly identify and address any complications.