Family of Deceased Alabama Man Claims Surgeon Removed Liver, Not Spleen, Before His Death

What Happened?

James Rayford Wallace Jr., 70, underwent surgery to remove his spleen at UAB Hospital in Birmingham, Alabama, on June 21, 2022.

However, the family alleges that the surgeon mistakenly removed Wallace's liver instead of his spleen.

Wallace's Liver Disease

Wallace had been diagnosed with liver disease for several years.

According to the Mayo Clinic, liver disease is a condition in which the liver is damaged and cannot function properly.

Symptoms of liver disease can include fatigue, weakness, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.

Splenectomy

A splenectomy is a surgical procedure to remove the spleen.

The spleen is an organ located on the left side of the abdomen that plays a role in filtering blood and producing antibodies.

A splenectomy is typically performed to treat conditions such as splenomegaly (enlarged spleen), sickle cell anemia, and certain types of cancer.

Liver Transplant

After the alleged mistaken surgery, Wallace was transferred to the University of Tennessee Medical Center in Knoxville, Tennessee.

He underwent a liver transplant on June 26, 2022.

According to the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS), a liver transplant is a surgical procedure to replace a diseased or failing liver with a healthy liver from a donor.

Wallace's Death

Wallace died on July 1, 2022, at the University of Tennessee Medical Center.

The cause of death was listed as multiple organ failure due to liver failure.

Lawsuit

Wallace's family has filed a lawsuit against UAB Hospital and the surgeon who performed the operation.

The lawsuit alleges that the surgeon was negligent in removing Wallace's liver instead of his spleen.

The family is seeking damages for Wallace's pain and suffering, as well as his wrongful death.

Conclusion

The case of James Rayford Wallace Jr. is a tragic example of the potential consequences of medical errors.

It is important to be aware of the risks of surgery and to choose a qualified surgeon.

If you have any concerns about a surgical procedure, please discuss them with your doctor.