HUNTINGTON – A woman is suing Edwards Comprehensive Cancer Center after she claims a surgeon was negligent and caused her damages and injuries.
Cabell Huntington Hospital and Dr. Gerard Oakley were also named as defendants in the suit.
Drema Hager was referred to Cabell for a colorectal fistula and was seen by Oakley, who performed multiple surgeries in an effort to correct the fistula at Cabell and ECCC, according to a complaint filed April 20 in Cabell Circuit Court.
Hager claims in 2013, Oakley attempted fistula repair via perineal incision, which was unsuccessful. A second attempt later occurred, which was also unsuccessful.
In 2014, Oakley performed a hysterectomy and colostomy in which Hager endured a two-week hospitalization and had to wear a colostomy bag for 13 months, according to the suit.
Hager claims two fistula repairs in 2014 and 2015 were performed by Oakley and were unsuccessful.
A colostomy takedown and repair of peristomal hernia was done in 2015 and which were complicated by a pelvic abscess and rectovaginal fistula, according to the suit.
Hager claims Oakley afvised her to take milk of magnesia daily to keep her bowels regulated and she ended up with Stage III kidney disease.
In early 2016, Oakley told Hager no further attempts at fistula repair and recommended placement of end colostomy, according to the suit.
Hager claims Dr. Jennifer Rea in Lexington, Ky., performed surgery on June 27 and found scarring from the past surgeries, but repaired the fistula after two surgeries.
The plaintiff’s condition has significantly damaged her quality of life and caused emotional suffering, according to the suit.
Hager claims the defendants were negligent and caused her injuries and damages.
Hager is seeking compensatory damages with pre- and post-judgment interest. She is being represented by Susan J. Van Zant.
The case is assigned to Circuit Judge Christopher D. Chiles.
Cabell Circuit Court case number: 17-C-259
