Uterus Branding Lawsuit

2amigos · Feb 20, 2003

Oh my gosh! Thanks for posting this! Can you believe it? And to top it off, he thinks nothing of doing this! Maybe someone should brand his "organ" and see how he feels about it, after all, we'd just be orientating ourselves, right?

Cheryl Moore

LilgirlRN, ADN, RN · Feb 20, 2003

I dont like that he did it, but he was doing a hysterectomy which I assume means he took the uterus out and it was discarded. I don't understand why the law suit?

2amigos · Feb 20, 2003

just posting the article for easier reading....

http://www.cnn.com/2003/HEALTH/02/20/hysterectomy.branding.ap/index.html

LEXINGTON, Kentucky (AP) -- Nine women are asking to join a lawsuit against a surgeon accused of branding the initials of his alma mater -- the University of Kentucky -- onto a patient's uterus during a hysterectomy.

The women -- including a former nurse of Dr. James M. Guiler -- say they discovered they had been similarly branded after watching videotapes Guiler had provided of their procedures.

"I didn't realize that he was doing this to everybody," said Dana Kelly, 41, a nurse who used to work in Guiler's office.

The original lawsuit was filed January 22 by Stephanie and David Means, who claim Guiler carved "UK" on Stephanie Means' uterus during her hysterectomy last August. She also had been given a videotape, and watched it after she experienced hemorrhaging following the surgery.

The nine women petitioned Fayette County Circuit Court on Wednesday to join the lawsuit, which asks for a jury trial. The lawsuit doesn't specify a dollar amount; the women are seeking punitive damages.

Guiler's attorney, Don Brown, said his client denies the procedure was inappropriate.

"We strongly deny any wrong-doing," he said.

Previously, Guiler defended the practice, saying the letters marked the organ's midline and distinguished its left and right side.

"Not only am I always able to remain oriented for the patient's safety, I felt this was honorable since it made reference to the college of medicine where I received my medical degree," he has said in a statement.

The women said they believe the uterine markings are unnecessary.

"As professionals, we all have standards we have to go by," said one of the women, Vickie Anderson, 38. "He crossed the line. It's chauvinistic, arrogant and shows a total disrespect for women."

KatrinaRN · Feb 20, 2003

I think that if the organ has to be marked, what difference does it make how it is marked. Furthermore, the organ is being permanently removed, pending a biopsy it will become discarded anyway.

Just my opinion.

wv_nurse 2003 · Feb 20, 2003

Well this is where I have to agree--yea, maybe it was in poor taste, but a lawsuit?? Give me a break! Its not like he took out an organ by mistake, or branded something that stayed inside the patient. Just an easy way to make a buck I guess--frivolous lawsuits again......

sbic56, BSN, RN · Feb 20, 2003

Another example of the need to limit medical lawsuits to those where there is true personal injury. These women are jumping on the band wagon, trying to benefit from something that really hasn't caused them any damage. Frivolous is the word, wv_nurse!

Q. · Feb 20, 2003

Originally posted by LilgirlRN
I dont like that he did it, but he was doing a hysterectomy which I assume means he took the uterus out and it was discarded. I don't understand why the law suit?

Uh, good point.

TheBrainMusher · Feb 20, 2003

Money, Money, Money ... these people (most of them had the tapes) and saw it done. Noone said anything before. The doctor was comfortable with the markings since he had previously used them, as not to damage the organ. Distress and Anguish my orifice! You wanted them out, be greatful! Not greedy! I hope this gets thrown out!

allnurses Guide · Feb 20, 2003

Yep, seems pretty silly to me too. Jumping on the gravy train seems to be a way of life nowadays. . . too sad.

"Wilma Flintstone . .devoted wife . . . . .best friend of Betty Rubble . .Mother of Pebbles . .willing to put up with Fred si no easy task and the fact that she did it ofr season after season only makes it more obvious that this is a cartoon" . ..

stevie

SmilingBluEyes · Feb 20, 2003

Some greedy whiney butt ladies are lookin to win a lottery. That's all it amounts to in my eyes.

OBNURSEHEATHER · Feb 20, 2003

Originally posted by 2amigos
"As professionals, we all have standards we have to go by," said one of the women, Vickie Anderson, 38. "He crossed the line. It's chauvinistic, arrogant and shows a total disrespect for women."

Oh, GET OVER YOURSELF!

Puh-leeze! Haven't we done this thread about 3 or 4 times?

And as for someone branding his (the doctor's) "organ." That would be something he would have to live with and look at forever. A uterus isn't removed for shyts and giggles, there's usually a problem, and most women are usually more than happy with the results once they're gone. I couldn't see caring about an organ that I no longer have.

I think that it's most likely that this particular woman has not yet come to terms with having to receive a hyst, and is lashing out at someone, anyone, that she can "blame."

Heather