Our client Harry, aged 21, underwent four operations in order to remove a thyroglossal (fibrous) cyst as a consequence of the surgeon’s failure to perform the surgery to a reasonable standard on the first three attempts.

Harry first saw his GP for what was believed to be tonsillitis in March 2007, at which time he was prescribed antibiotics.  Following the course of antibiotics, Harry reported a hard, tender swelling in his neck and was referred to an ENT (Ear, Nose and Throat) specialist.

He had a further nine appointments before an operation finally took place in June 2008 to remove the thyroglossal cyst  During the operation the surgeon did not remove the cyst and they also failed to removed the central third of the hyoid bone (which is required in this type of surgery). Following the surgery, Harry’s neck continued to discharge fluid and would not heal properly.

The hospital performed a further three operations in total (with a different surgeon), on the second and third operation the surgeon’s again failed to remove the cyst and central third of the hyoid bone.  Thankfully, on the fourth attempt the surgery was successful.

Had Harry’s surgery been performed to a reasonable standard in the first instance, then the wound would have healed and the three additional operations would not have been necessary. Because of the extra surgery, Harry has sustained additional scarring of the area.

Clinical Negligence Solicitor, Laura Barlow from our team in London successfully settled Harry’s case with the hospital trust.  The trust admitted liability and we negotiated a compensation figure for Harry of £27,000.

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