Man Says Routine Hernia Surgery Leads to Near Amputation of Penis

An Oregon man says a hospital visit to treat a cut finger led to his having elective hernia repair surgery, which ended with the near total amputation of his penis from infection and gangrene.

According to his lawsuit, Daniel Wymbs sought treatment for a cut finger at Providence Portland Medical Center March 7, 2008. A physical exam conducted during the visit revealed a hernia in Wymbs' groin area.

A hernia is a protrusion of the intestine through the abdominal wall or groin.

Wymbs agreed to have what he assumed would be routine, elective hernia repair surgery, he says in his complaint, filed in the Multnomah County Circuit Court. Dr. John W. Ragsdale, a general surgeon, performed the procedure April 10, 2008.

Shortly after the surgery Wymbs experienced increasing pain and symptoms of infection, the suit says. Ragsdale treated him on an outpatient basis for these symptoms until he was readmitted to the hospital May 8, 2008.

Wymbs was diagnosed with severe penile infection and symptoms of Fournier's gangrene, the complaint says.

Fournier's gangrene is an infection of the genitals' soft tissues that can quickly progress from soreness to tissue death.

During emergency surgery six days later urologist Gilbert P. Klemann removed the head of Wymbs' penis, which had become necrotic.

Wymbs sued Ragsdale, Klemann and the hospital. He alleged they failed to inform him of the dangers of elective hernia surgery, properly diagnose and treat his advancing infection, timely seek urological consultation and treatment, and timely treat the Fournier's gangrene.

Because of the defendants' negligence, Wymbs says, he has suffered "grotesque disfigurement" that has permanently prevented him from urinating normally or engaging in normal sexual activity.

He has suffered pain, anxiety, humiliation and embarrassment that will persist for the rest of his life, the suit says.

Wymbs is seeking $3.5 million in damages for his pain and suffering and medical expenses.

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