Suit: Medical clip floating in man's abdomen

A man and his wife say a metal clip inserted in the man during a surgery came loose and is now floating in his abdomen.

Kelly and Sherry O'Rourke filed suit against Anderson Hospital in Maryville, Dr. Robert O. Santaella and unknown manufacturers of the medical equipment on March 20 in Madison County Circuit Court.

They say Kelly O'Rourke went to the hospital on March 20, 2007, where Santaella inserted metal clips near Kelly O'Rourke's gall bladder.

One of the clips became detached and ended up floating into Kelly O'Rourke's abdominal area, the complaint says.

Kelly O'Rourke, in his complaint, says he has experienced tremendous pain and suffering since the incident, has been deprived of income and benefits and may be forced to find employment elsewhere.

He also incurred substantial medical expenses, the suit states.

Since the incident, Sherry O'Rourke has lost Kelly O'Rourke's support and services, she says.

The manufacturers of the clips should have provided training to doctors before allowing them to use the clips, the O'Rourkes claim.

"The products defendants supplied were unreasonably dangerous and defective," the suit states.

In the four-count suit, the O'Rourkes are seeking a judgment in excess of $50,000 and compensatory damages in excess of $150,000, plus costs.

Brian M. Wendler and Thomas G. Maag of Wendler Law in Edwardsville will be representing them.

Madison County Circuit Court case number: 09-L-0288.