Damages action over operation

A woman who claims she has difficulty walking after a hysterectomy operation nine years ago has taken a High Court action for damages.

Mother of two Mary McNicholas told the High Court she is in constant pain and has missed out on key family events since she had the operation.

Ms McNicholas, Cloonkedagh Road, Kiltimagh, Co Mayo, has sued Andrea Hermann, who was at the time a consultant gynaecologist practising at the Galway Clinic, Doughiska, Galway. The court heard Ms Hermann now works in Germany.

It was claimed that on October 20, 2005, Ms McNicholas had a total abdominal hysterectomy during which it is claimed she suffered nerve damage causing numbness in her left lower leg and severe pain.

It is further claimed Ms NcNicholas is left with a general numbness in her left leg and her leg remains weak.

The claims are denied and the defence contends the surgical technique of the hysterectomy operation was appropriate.

Opening the case, Michael Counihan said when Andrea Hermann examined Ms McNicholas, she said her weight would present no difficulty in relation to the surgery.

Counsel said during the operation there was a very substantial blood loss which was about four times more than normal for the procedure. After the operation Ms McNicholas had a numbness of the left leg and could not put her weight on it.

Ms McNicholas told the court she has chronic pain.

“It is pain, pain all the time. I try to not to let it impact on my life but it is there all the time,” she said.

She said she is only able to do one household chore a day and has fallen over in the supermarket and when she is out when her leg goes from under her.

“I have missed out on family events, weddings and christenings. I hate what it has done to my family, but we have to cope with it. I try to be strong,” she said.

The case before Mr Justice Anthony Barr continues.