Human Error Leads to Medical Malpractice Suit in UPMC Kidney Transplant
Two former patients are suing UPMC for overlooking lab test results before a major organ transplant, a mistake that led to one of them becoming infected with hepatitis C.
October 22, 2011
The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) is known as a leading American health care provider. Yet, despite UPMC's high ranking in hospital rating publications, serious medical errors can and do occur in its facilities.In early 2011, Michael Yocabet received a kidney from longtime girlfriend Christina Mecannic in an operation performed at UPMC Presbyterian. Although the surgery was completed without incident, it was later discovered that the donated kidney was infected with hepatitis C, which was passed to Yocabet. As a result, UPMC's living kidney donor transplant program was shut down for two months, and both Yocabet and Mecannic filed recent medical malpractice lawsuits in Allegheny County Common Pleas Court.
Western Pennsylvania Hospital Missed Red Flag Test Results Multiple Times
According to the lawsuits, Mecannic was unaware she was infected with hepatitis C. However, UPMC should have been aware, as they allegedly overlooked positive test results a total of six times before the operation. Results from the first blood test revealing that Mecannic carried the hepatitis C virus came in over two months before the kidney transplant took place. When doctors finally did inform Mecannic of her infection, she claims a UPMC surgeon suggested she keep the information from Yocabet.
The couple says they would not have gone through with the procedure had they known of the infection. Hepatitis C poses an acute health threat to Yocabet, whose Type 1 diabetes and diabetic nephropathy necessitated a kidney transplant. Now, not only does Yocabet face potential harm, Mecannic underwent an unnecessary surgery and is left with only one kidney.
The mistake came to light on May 6, and UPMC authorities quickly shut down their live donor kidney and liver transplant programs. As of July 14, both programs are again up and running after being approved by federal reviewers.
Responding to the lawsuits filed in September, UPMC released a statement admitting that human oversight was to blame for the surgical error that caused Yocabet to contract hepatitis C. Allegations of any attempted cover-up were denied, however, and UPMC insisted that patient well-being is its top priority.
Human Error Often Responsible for Medical Mistakes
Medical breakthroughs are constantly making health care safer and more effective. But, no technology can completely eliminate the potential for human error.
Mistakes made by doctors and nurses reportedly caused Michael Yocabet to become infected with hepatitis C, and he and Christina Mecannic will soon have their day in court. If you suspect that a health care provider's error may have impacted your health, discuss your case with a Pennsylvania medical malpractice lawyer. You may able to collect monetary damages, and by holding responsible parties accountable, you can do your part to prevent future medical errors.
Article provided by Ronald J. Bua & Associates
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