Misdiagnosis of Crohn's disease ends in surgery

A Consultants misdiagnosis of Crohn's disease led to a man having unnecessary treatment and surgery. Severe stomach pains caused Jacob, 40, to first visit his GP who referred him to a Consultant. The consultant diagnosed Crohn's disease a chronic condition that he would have to live with for the rest of his life. He treated Jacob with a range of medication including steroids and an anti-inflammatory drugs.

After two years of this treatment Jacob became very unwell. He was diagnosed as having a blockage in his stomach and an operation was performed where a section of bowel was removed. Jacob was given a colostomy. Following surgery Jacob was told by a different Consultant that he did not have Crohn's disease at all. In fact he had diverticulitis a condition that, unlike Crohn's disease, is treatable, mainly by changes to the diet. A subsequent bone scan has revealed that Jacob's bones are thinning as a result of the two years of unnecessary steroid and drug use.

The clinical negligence team settled Jacob's case for £15,000.

Crohn's Disease
Jacobs case concerned the misdiagnosis and subsequent mistreatment of Crohn's disease. Crohn's Disease is a condition which mainly affects the small intestine, in which segments become inflamed and the lining ulcerated, fissured and then greatly thickened. Between these affected segments the intestine remains normal. The condition commonly affects the lower part of the small intestine (the ileum), but can affect any part of the bowel.

Crohn's disease is increasingly common. It is thought that at any one time between 50 to 60 people per 100,000 have the disease. The disease can affect people of any age and affects men and women equally.

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If you would like to seek expert legal advice relating to this case study or any other injury claim please complete the online enquiry form or call 0800 915 4650