Appendicitis Interpreted as Bowel Obstruction

R attended the A&E Department of his local hospital with symptoms of abdominal pain, vomiting and diarrhoea. Abdominal x-rays which were taken showed a mechanical small bowel obstruction as well as a moderately raised white cell count but despite this he was discharged from hospital.

A few days later R re-attended the same A&E Department. He eventually underwent a CT scan and the most likely diagnosis was appendicitis. By this stage he required major surgery. The claim was defended by the hospital and it was necessary to seek expert evidence. 

The claim was eventually resolved with R accepting the sum of £60,000.00 for damages.