Hospital Apologizes After Girl’s Appendicitis Misdiagnosed,Leading to Rupture
Galway,Ireland – University Hospital Galway (UHG) has issued a formal apology to a young girl after a severe misdiagnosis of her appendicitis led to serious health complications. The hospital’s emergency department initially diagnosed the then seven-year-old Ariana Mocanu with a urinary tract infection in July 2022, a mistake that resulted in her appendix rupturing.
Legal Settlement Reached After Appendicitis Misdiagnosis
The High Court heard that ariana mocanu’s family reached a settlement of €64,000 with the Health Service Executive (HSE) following the misdiagnosis. According to Jeremy Maher SC, representing Ariana, the child was discharged from UHG after midnight with antibiotics, only to return nine hours later with a perforated appendix and peritonitis, necessitating urgent surgery.
Ariana’s father reportedly raised concerns about possible appendicitis with the treating physician on several occasions, but his concerns were dismissed.
Hospital admits Misdiagnosis in Formal Apology
In a letter presented to the court, UHG acknowledged the misdiagnosis. Hospital manager Chris Kane stated that Ariana was assessed by an emergency medicine doctor who incorrectly concluded a urinary tract infection was the more likely diagnosis. “On this occasion, the diagnosis turned out to be incorrect. The hospital apologizes for this initial misdiagnosis,” the letter stated.
The hospital further expressed regret for the ordeal Ariana and her family endured, wishing them well.
Disagreement Over Treatment Timeline
While UHG admitted the misdiagnosis, the HSE contended that surgery would not have been possible at the hospital before morning regardless. Mr. Maher contested this claim, stating that their experts believed Ariana should never have been sent home.
Following open surgery to address the ruptured appendix, Ariana has shown remarkable courage, according to her legal counsel.
Family Speaks Out About Appendicitis Risks
Outside the court, Ariana’s parents, Diana and Petru Mocanu, conveyed through their solicitor, Piarais Neary, that their primary motivation for pursuing the case was to raise awareness among other parents about the dangers of misdiagnosed appendicitis and the importance of recognizing its symptoms.
The family welcomed the hospital’s apology after three challenging years.
The incident occurred on July 23, 2022, when Ariana was brought to UHG with symptoms including acute abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting.
Allegations and Hospital’s Response
The legal proceedings highlighted claims of negligence, alleging a failure to provide reasonable care and an appropriate level of skill in diagnosing and treating Ariana. It was argued that she was incorrectly discharged instead of being admitted for further evaluation and treatment.
All claims were denied by the HSE. Mr. Justice Paul Coffey approved the settlement, deeming it fair and reasonable.
Appendicitis: Key Facts at a Glance
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Initial misdiagnosis | Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) |
| Actual Condition | Acute Appendicitis leading to rupture and peritonitis |
| legal Outcome | €64,000 settlement reached with HSE |
| Hospital Response | Formal apology issued for the misdiagnosis |
Understanding Appendicitis: An Evergreen Perspective
Appendicitis remains a common yet potentially perilous condition,particularly in children and young adults. According to a study published in the “Journal of Pediatric Surgery” in early 2025, rapid and accurate diagnosis is critical to preventing serious complications. Diagnostic tools such as ultrasound and CT scans play a vital role, yet clinical assessment and patient history remain essential.
Pro Tip: always seek a second opinion if you feel your concerns are not being adequately addressed by a healthcare provider, especially in cases involving severe abdominal pain.
In recent years, the medical community has emphasized the importance of parental involvement in diagnosing pediatric conditions. Parents often possess valuable insights into their child’s symptoms and overall well-being, which can aid in accurate diagnosis and timely intervention.
Did You know? The lifetime risk of developing appendicitis is approximately 8.6% for males and 6.7% for females, according to the National Institutes of Health.
Spotting the Signs: Appendicitis Symptoms to Watch Out For
The classic symptoms of appendicitis include:
- Pain that usually starts near the belly button and then moves to the lower right abdomen
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea and vomiting
- Abdominal swelling
- Fever
However, symptoms can vary, especially in children.Prompt medical evaluation is crucial if you suspect appendicitis.
Frequently Asked Questions About Appendicitis
- What is appendicitis and why is early diagnosis important?
- Appendicitis is the inflammation of the appendix, a small pouch attached to the large intestine. Early diagnosis is critical to prevent rupture, which can lead to peritonitis and other severe complications.
- How is appendicitis typically diagnosed?
- Appendicitis is typically diagnosed through a physical exam, blood tests, urine tests, and imaging tests such as ultrasound or CT scans.
- What are the treatment options for appendicitis?
- The primary treatment for appendicitis is surgical removal of the appendix, known as an appendectomy.This can be done through open surgery or laparoscopically.
- What are the potential complications of misdiagnosed appendicitis?
- Misdiagnosed appendicitis can lead to a ruptured appendix, peritonitis (infection of the abdominal cavity), abscess formation, and sepsis, all of which are life-threatening.
- Can appendicitis be prevented?
- There is no known way to prevent appendicitis. However, seeking prompt medical attention for abdominal pain can help prevent complications.
- What should I do if I suspect my child has appendicitis?
- If you suspect your child has appendicitis, seek immediate medical attention. Describe all symptoms to the doctor and insist on thorough evaluation.
What are your thoughts on this case? Have you or a loved one experienced a similar medical misdiagnosis? Share your story in the comments below.
