Four Lap-Band Patients Die in the Last Two Years

Four patients have died in the last two years, following their Lap-Band surgeries that were performed in Southern California, leading to medical malpractice lawsuits and an investigation by the Medical Board of California.

A new study has been conducted in Europe, questioning the ever popular Lap-Band weight-loss device and its long-lasting effectiveness. The study revealed that a significant number of patients suffered major complications and 50% of them later had the device removed. If you have suffered from an injury, or complication as a negative result of your surgery, contact a San Diego personal injury attorney as soon as possible for help with your personal injury claim.

The report was published in the Archives of Surgery, where the study followed 82 Lap-Band surgeries that were performed between 1994 and 1997. Although the Lap-Band patients did lose a significant amount of weight, numerous complications arose including band erosion and infection which led researchers to conclude that Lap-Band surgery had "relatively poor long-term outcomes."

The Lap-Band is manufactured by the Irvine-based Allergan Inc.; it is a silicone ring that is fit over a portion over the stomach in order to greatly reduce over-eating. The device has only been approved in the United States since 2001, therefore research on its long-term effects has not been completed, and the only research available comes from abroad.

San Diego Medical Mal Practice Attorney

Physicians, doctors, nurses, dentists and other medical staff have a duty towards their parents to provide the utmost quality of care. When a patient suffers from a needless or preventable injury or wrongful death at the hands of a medical practitioner, it is their legal right to pursue a medical malpractice lawsuit.

If you or someone you love has been injured or killed by a negligent or careless medical professional in San Diego or the surrounding areas, contact a San Diego medical malpractice lawyer from the Law Office of Mark Bush immediately for further assistance with your claim. You may be entitled to damages for medical expenses, pain & suffering and lost wages.

Contact a San Diego medical malpractice attorney from our firm today for a free initial consultation.