Woman alleges bladder perforation during hysterectomy

A woman has filed suit against the doctor whom she alleges perforated her bladder during a hysterectomy.

Tammy L. Sparks alleges defendant Dr. John Hucker performed an outpatient hysterectomy and oophorectomy at defendant Memorial Hospital in Belleville on Oct. 11, 2012. During the procedure, Hucker perforated Sparks' bladder and vesicovaginal fistula, according to the complaint filed Oct. 10 in St. Clair County Circuit Court.

Due to the situation, Sparks was forced to endure multiple surgeries; suffered physical, emotional and mental anguish; and experienced diminishing good health, the suit states. She also incurred medical costs, experienced pain and discomfort, lost her normal life, suffered depression and anxiety and endured financial hardship, the complaint says.

In her lawsuit, Sparks blames Hucker for causing her injuries, saying he negligently failed to contact the appropriate specialists to repair the perforation, failed to recognize and treat the extreme symptoms she was suffering, failed to monitor her, failed to consistently complete examinations and workups following her discharge and failed to have her properly monitored and tested, among other negligent acts.

In her complaint, Sparks seeks a judgment of more than $150,000, plus costs and other relief the court deems just.

St. Clair County Circuit Court case number: 14-L-690.