Colon cancer patient claims hospital responsible for skin condition due to improper care following surgery

GRETNA – A woman recovering from a surgery to remove part of her colon due to rectal cancer is suing a hospital for allegedly allowing a bag meant to catch her waste to leak on her skin, resulting in a skin condition.

Elaine W. Landry filed suit against Louisiana Continuing Care Hospital LLC in the 24th Judicial District Court on Feb. 11.

Landry claims that on Jan. 3, 2014 she underwent surgery at West Jefferson Medical Center for rectal cancer, in which an ostomy was created to bypass her colon. The plaintiff alleges she was later admitted to Louisiana Continuing Care Hospital on Feb. 13 for continued care of her abdomen and ostomy.

Landry contends Louisiana Continuing Care Hospital poorly cared for her ostomy and allowed it to leak on her skin continuously resulting in dermatitis to her abdomen.

The defendant is accused of failing to properly fit the plaintiff with a cure osmotic bag, failing to properly care for plaintiff, permitting the leakage and resulting skin condition, subjecting the plaintiff to discomfort and odor over an extended period, failing to timely and effectively take measures to resolve the medical condition, failing to prevent the condition and failing to properly treat the plaintiff.

An unspecified amount in damages is sought for physical pain and suffering, mental pain and suffering, medical expenses, loss of earnings, mental anguish, loss of consortium, loss of love and affection, emotional distress and loss of enjoyment of life.

Landry is representing herself pro se in the case.

The case has been assigned to Division O Judge Danyelle M. Taylor.

Case no. 746-656.