Lawsuit Filed After Woman Dies Following Hernia Surgery

A civil lawsuit has been filed against a surgeon and two nurses in connection with the death of a 46-year-old woman following a hernia repair procedure. The complaint alleges that the medical professionals failed to provide timely care for post-surgical complications.

"The defendants dismissed Belt's post-surgery symptoms and failed to provide timely care."

Patient History and Surgery

Laura Belt underwent hernia repair surgery at Decatur County Hospital in Iowa. The exact date of the procedure has not been specified in available reports.

Post-Surgery Symptoms and Timeline

Following the surgery, Belt reported heavy drainage of brown liquid from her surgical incision. Medical records indicate this fluid was identified as stool. Belt also reported not having had a bowel movement since the surgery.

According to the lawsuit, nurses at the hospital told Belt that her symptoms were normal.

Belt was discharged from the hospital approximately one week after the surgery, with the drainage continuing.

• May 9, 2024: According to the complaint, nurse Tammy Roberts sent Belt a text message stating that drainage could last for a month. Roberts stated she had consulted with nurse Brandi Oesch before sending the message.

• May 10, 2024: Belt participated in a video call with Oesch to show the fluid draining from her incision. The lawsuit alleges that Oesch did not advise Belt to seek emergency care during this call.

• May 11, 2024: Belt was taken to the emergency department at Wayne County Hospital. She was diagnosed with septic shock resulting from necrotic tissue and stool drainage. Medical records indicate a bowel perforation had occurred.

• May 15, 2024: Belt died.

Lawsuit Allegations

The family's lawsuit, filed against surgeon Dr. Edwin Vincent Wehling and nurses Brandi Oesch and Tammy Roberts, alleges medical malpractice. Specifically, the complaint states that the defendants dismissed Belt's post-surgery symptoms and failed to provide timely care.

The lawsuit notes that Oesch back-charted an entry on May 13, 2024, stating she had notified Dr. Wehling about Belt's condition. According to the entry, Dr. Wehling requested the antibiotic Bactrim, but no prescription was placed.

Statements from the Defense

Dr. Wehling, Oesch, and Roberts have denied wrongdoing. Dr. Wehling has stated that the complications experienced by Belt may have been due to a pre-existing condition or a condition that occurred after the surgery.

Regulatory Action

The Iowa Board of Medicine has filed charges against Dr. Wehling for professional incompetency. A hearing regarding these charges is scheduled for September 2024.

Legal Proceedings

A trial in the civil lawsuit has been scheduled for August 23, 2024.