Our approach to "cleavage sparing mastectomy" compensation claims

Our expert medical negligence solicitors have a great deal of experience in dealing sensitively and professionally with mastectomy compensation claims.

Breast cancer surgery can sometimes involve a procedure called a Mastectomy. This is where cancer tissue is removed from the breast. All of the breast tissue should be removed to minimise the chance of cancer returning. Our expert medical negligence solicitors appreciate these operations are essential in trying to eradicate cancer and therefore should be preformed in accordance with guidelines.

There has been recent publicity surrounding a West Midlands surgeon who has been carrying out mastectomy operations incorrectly, leaving breast tissue behind. This type of procedure is being referred to as a 'cleavage sparing mastectomy'.

Our Clinical Negligence Experts attended a meeting with the NHS Litigation Authority (NHSLA) in November 2011; they were informed that there are approximately 400 breast cancer patients who may have had 'cleavage sparing mastectomies'. The NHSLA could not confirm that all the women had been contacted with regards to their surgery.

Our recent 'cleavage sparing mastectomy' cases

Russell Jones and Walker Clinical Negligence expert solicitors have already settled a claim for one client whose 'cleavage sparing mastectomy' wasn't carried out correctly and as a result she required further surgery. Our expert solicitors are concerned there could be other patients who may have had a 'cleavage sparing mastectomies' and are available to offer legal advice should this be the case. 

Recent developments with ‘cleavage sparing mastectomy's’

There have been a couple of important developments with the cases being investigated against Heart of England NHS Foundation Trust and Mr Ian Paterson. Firstly, the Trust are recalling Mr Paterson's patients treated at Good Hope Hospital between 1998 -2008. It was previously thought that Mr Paterson started the cleavage sparing mastectomy procedure while at Solihull Hospital but now it seems that this is not the case.

Secondly Nisha Sharma is investigating a case where a cleavage sparing mastectomy was performed by a junior surgeon working as part of Mr Paterson's team and she is sure that this is not an isolated case. So far, the Trust have recalled Mr Paterson's patients only. The implication is that there may be women who have undergone a cleavage sparing mastectomy who think that because they were not treated by Mr Paterson they are safe. Nisha would urge anyone who thinks that they have excess breast tissue to seek medical review as soon as possible. 

• Nisha Sharma urges anyone who has had a mastectomy performed by Mr Ian Paterson to see their GP to arrange for a second opinion
• Nisha Sharma: Trust issues statement about Mr Ian Paterson
• Solihull Hospital recalls Cancer patients after surgeon investigated

Contact us to talk about your ‘cleavage sparing mastectomy’ surgery claim.

Please call 0800 916 9049, email enquiries@rjwslatergordon.co.uk or use the short cleavage sparing surgery online claim form. Our dedicated medical negligence solicitors offer a free initial consultation to evaluate the circumstances of your situation and help you understand whether or not you have a case.  They will also be able to discuss your funding options and any time constraints for bringing a cleavage sparing surgery claim.

With offices in London, Birmingham, Manchester, Sheffield, Cardiff and Edinburgh RJW can offer immediate and accessible representation anywhere in the UK.