Putnam County man sues physician for perforated gall bladder

CHARLESTON -- A Putnam County man is suing a physician after he claims he caused him to suffer a perforated gall bladder.

On May 23, 2003, Dr. Dionisio Policarpio admitted Richard Morgan into Putnam General Hospital, where he performed a laparoscopic cholecystectomy, which resulted in the perforation of Morgan’s gall bladder, according to a complaint filed Oct. 4 in Kanawha Circuit Court.

Morgan claims Policarpio negligently failed to remove retained gallstones that were the result of the perforation.

The defendant also allegedly failed to perform a cholangiography prior to Morgan’s discharge, which would have revealed the retention of numerous gallstones within his abdominal cavity, according to the suit.

Morgan claims  following his discharge, he suffered bouts of severe abdominal pain and his family physician admitted him to Putnam General Hospital to undergo certain diagnostic procedures and requested a surgical consult with Dr. Leonard A. Fichter, who diagnosed Morgan with a complete bile duct obstruction.

On Aug. 9, 2010, Morgan was re-admitted to Putnam General Hospital, where he underwent an EGD procedure with removal of retained gallstones, which were the cause of the bile duct obstruction and the abdominal pain and discomfort he had been experiencing, according to the suit.

Morgan claims as a result of Policarpio’s negligence caused him to incur medical and hospital expenses in excess of $25,000.

As a result of Policarpio’s negligence, Morgan suffered extreme pain of body and mind; mental anguish; loss of enjoyment of life; and a reduction in his life expectancy, according to the suit.

Morgan is seeking compensatory damages with pre- and post-judgment interest. He is being represented by Frank M. Armada.

The case has been assigned to Circuit Judge Charles E. King.

Kanawha Circuit Court case number: 12-C-2001