Robot-Assisted Prostate Surgery Case

A man was injured during a robot-assisted prostate surgery. The plaintiff alleged that the physician did not properly repair the tear, leading to a rectourethral fistula, requiring surgery, a temporary ileostomy, and many genitourinary complications.

The defense argued that a rectal tear can occur even when robotic surgery is properly performed.

Was the physician at fault?

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Ann W. Latner, JD, is a freelance writer and attorney based in New York. She was formerly the director of periodicals at the American Pharmacists Association and editor of Pharmacy Times.