Urologist's Case

A urologist removed a cancerous prostate from a patient. During surgery the balloon that held a urinary catheter in place burst inside the patient’s bladder. After the patient regained consciousness, the urologist told him about the incident. He said the he had meticulously removed all fragments of the catheter balloon but cautioned the patient to report any untoward symptoms. The patient recovered without incident.

In your opinion, does the patient have grounds to sue either the company that manufactured the urinary catheter or the urologist who operated on him? Why or why not?

Usually for operations like this one you are required to sign a form or document telling the patient about the procedure and anything that could possible arise