GRETNA – A man who allegedly was disabled after the loss of function of one of his feet, due to a complication-filled nine hour long surgery is suing.
Thomas Duhe filed suit against Louisiana Medical Mutual Insurance Company, Henry Anthony Pretus M.D., Jefferson Parish Hospital Service District No. 2, Parish of Jefferson, State of Louisiana and East Jefferson General Hospital in the 24th Judicial District Court on Jan. 12.
Duhe claims that on Nov. 4, 2010 he underwent surgery at East Jefferson General Hospital to repair an aortic aneurysm. The plaintiff alleges that Pretus told him the surgical procedure was “straightforward” and allegedly did not discuss the risks of the surgery nor get informed consent before undertaking the procedure. Duhe contends that in contrast to Pretus’s statement about the relative ease of the surgery the operation ran into several complications and took over nine hours to complete, instead of three to four hours.
The plaintiff asserts that due to Pretus’s poor decision-making and moving forward with the operation despite increasing complications, he has suffered extensive complications and permanent and disabling injuries including nerve damage resulting loss of function to his right foot, several bed sores requiring further medical procedures for treatment, significant blood loss, respiratory failure, kidney failure and deep vein thrombosis all of which resulted in a prolonged hospitalization.
The defendant is accused of medical malpractice.
An unspecified amount in damages is sought for physical pain and suffering, mental suffering, permanent disability, loss of enjoyment of life and medical expenses.
Duhe is represented by Thomas A. Gennusa III of Metairie-based Gennusa, Piacun & Ruli.
The case has been assigned to Division K Judge Ellen Shirer Kovach.
Case no. 745-725.
Man claims avoidable surgery complications led to disability, including loss of use of foot
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