Lucy Devine
The state of South Carolina has paid a staggering amount after a patient died following a devastating mistake made during surgery.
A 58-year-old patient sadly passed away after spending days in agonizing pain, following a surgery in which surgeons left a blade inside his body.
Jeffrey Alan Fulcher had undergone surgery at the Medical University of South Carolina in June 2022, after he had been diagnosed with a type of cancer called carcinoma.
He was having part of his oesophagus removed during the surgery, but during the procedure, a Thompson blade ended up being left in Fulcher's abdomen, according to local outlet WCSC, citing documents in a lawsuit.
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Following the surgery, dad-of-three and husband Fulcher, told his doctors that he was suffering from pain in his abdomen which was increasing over the course of several days.
When Fulcher's oxygen levels dropped and his abdomen became swollen, he was sent in for X-rays, which revealed the blade.
He was rushed to surgery, but according to documents, had already gone in to septic shock due to the blade perforating his colon.
Septic shock is the most severe stage of sepsis and occurs when the immune system has an extreme reaction to infection.
It can cause dangerously low blood pressure and requires urgent medical attention.
In a second procedure, doctors decided to remove the remainder of his colon over fears about bowel ischemia, which is when blood flow to the colon slows down or stops.
Fulcher sadly died on June 21, 2022, with his cause of death listed as sepsis, peritonitis, colonic perforation and a retained surgical instrument in the abdomen.
Despite nurses inside the hospital operating theater having counted all instruments before and after surgery, the blade remained inside Fulcher's abdomen.
Following the tragic incident, Fulcher's estate was paid $1 million by the state of South Carolina.
An obituary for Fulcher reads: "On June 21st, 2022 at 2:30pm, Heaven gained one of earth’s finest when Jeffrey 'Jeff' Alan Fulcher passed through pearly white gates to meet Jesus. His recent battle with medical issues showed his courage in facing life’s challenges with a smile. Despite the pain and the unfortunate medical mistakes committed by healthcare providers, Jeff came out a hero. He stayed strong, despite all odds, until the end. He was 58 years young, yet his life had a profound impact on so many lives... Jeff was a model husband, father and man of God."