Piece of tool left in neck after surgery, suit claims

A Pickneyville man is suing the makers of a surgical tool after a piece of the equipment was allegedly left in his neck after surgery.

Michael Kellerman filed a lawsuit June 18 in St. Clair County Circuit Court against Teleflex Medical Incorporated, doing business as Pilling, and Teleflex Incorporated, doing business as Pilling.

According to the complaint, Kellerman underwent throat surgery at Barnes Jewish Hospital in June 2011. During the pharyngeosophageal segment dilation procedure the surgeon used a #12 French Pilling bougie, or dilator, manufactured by Teleflex. Kellerman claims as the dilator was being withdrawn a white tip attached to the metal handle came off and was left inside his neck.

Kellerman says Teleflex is liable for making and selling a faulty product that comes apart during use. He accuses the company of negligence and asks for more than $100,000 in damages for medical expenses, loss of income and court fees.

Kellerman is represented by attorneys Mark S. Schuver and Willam J. Niehoff of Belleville.

St. Clair County Circuit Court Case No. 13-L-300