Botched Laparotomy Leads to Malpractice Lawsuit

An exploratory laparotomy resulted in a perforated bowel of Hanh Thi Ngo, who died as a result of the botched surgery. The family of Hanh Thi Ngo brought a medical malpractice lawsuit against Dr. Jerone F. Schrapps, Christus Hospital St. Elizabeth, Christus Dubuis Hospital of Beaumont, and Southeast Texas Surgical Associates on May 25, in Jefferson County District Court.As a result of the laparotomy that perforated her bowel, Hanh Thi Ngo suffered septic shock and multiple organ failure before being taken off life support. She died on May 5, 2009.