Question

A 60-year-old man is admitted with a perforated duodenal ulcer and undergoes emergency surgery. During the operation there is inadvertent damage to the common bile duct, recognised and repaired immediately. Postoperatively he is stable. What is the most appropriate action regarding disclosure?

Accepted Answer

Openly explain what happened, apologise and explain future management and potential consequences

Answer

Do not tell the patient as the problem was corrected

Answer

Inform the patient only if he asks about complications

Answer

Leave explanation to the GP at follow-up

Answer

Record the incident only in the operation note without discussing it

Practice question

A 60-year-old man is admitted with a perforated duodenal ulcer and undergoes emergency surgery. During the operation there is inadvertent damage to the common bile duct, recognised and repaired immediately. Postoperatively he is stable. What is the most appropriate action regarding disclosure?