"When proper imaging could have prevented surgery"

I want to emphasise the main points of my experience in Altnagelvin Hospital.

I was diagnosed with a large cyst on my left ovary, leading to a decision for abdominal surgery to remove both ovaries and both fallopian tubes. However, once the surgery began, the Gynaecologist surgeon discovered that both ovaries and fallopian tubes were completely healthy-there was no cyst on them at all, and they didn’t need to be removed. Instead, the cyst was located more to the back of the adnexal region.

Crucially, a CT scan which I had done prior to the surgery, had advised an MRI of pelvis with contrast (Gynaecology protocol), for further characterisation of the lesion, but this was declined.

Despite the lack of definitive imaging, the Gynaecologist surgeon proceeded with the surgery. This invasive procedure could have been avoided, if an MRI had been performed as advised, by a consultant radiologist.

Unfortunately for me, I only seen the results of the CT after the surgery. Had I seen them prior to the surgery, I would never have consented to removal of my ovaries and fallopian tubes, or any other type of surgery for that matter. I had put my trust in the hands of the Gynaecologist.

I was exposed to all the risks that come with surgery- Unnecessarily.

I was forced to take time off work, lost my independence for a period of time, and endured significant pain. I relied heavily on medication, now have a scar across my abdomen, and my body shape has permanently changed. This experience caused immense stress- all of it avoidable and all of it unnecessary.

My discharge letter reported that a large retroperitoneal mass extending from the left pelvic wall was noted during the laparotomy, which has been sent off for histology and now awaiting the results. This was false information. The Gynaecologist told me she did not touch it, as it was located out of her operating field. I don’t understand why this was documented, when it didn’t happen.

I waited for almost three months for a follow up/review appointment with the consultant Gynaecologist, but it never happened. I had to contact the secretary on two occasions to ask her to arrange a face-to-face meeting, which was agreed to.

I was left in limbo, with no information and not knowing what my future plan of care was. I had to make several phone calls to try and find out if a referral was made back to the surgeons. I was told that only a letter was sent to one of the surgeons, but not the one who had initially seen me. A referral was not created on the system, so I would not have been seen without this.

During the meeting with the consultant Gynaecologist, I asked her if she would refer me back to the surgical team. She thought she had done a referral by sending the letter, but due to the new encompass system a referral must be created. She agreed that it would be done that day.

I had also given consent for a smear test to be performed during the surgery. However, three months later, I have still not received the results. According to the consultant Gynaecologist, the sample was sent to England, but when I inquired further, she couldn’t confirm whether the test had been done- only that she believed it had been.

This experience has deeply saddened me. As someone who has worked for years in healthcare, I’m shocked that something like this could happen. Now, finding myself on the receiving end of care, I’m seeing the healthcare system from a patient’s perspective-and it’s been an eye-opening and very disheartening experience.

When I first went to A & E in pain, I was treated very efficiently, and investigations began immediately. The staff were all very caring in such a busy environment. I was given time and never felt rushed. This was the same in ACU and ward 5. The surgical consultant was very informative and had a good bedside manner, which made me feel comfortable.

When I met the gynaecologist, we had a good rapport. They also made me feel very comfortable and at ease and answered any questions I had.

The staff on ward 43 post-surgery, were all very caring. I met a third-year student nurse who was amazing, and went over and above what would be expected from a student nurse. Made me feel very comfortable when I was struggling to care for myself post-surgery and will make an excellent nurse.

I know everyone has a different experience of care, I’m just disappointed that this was mine.

After going through all this, I still have the large retroperitoneal mass inside of me.