A woman who underwent a medical procedure known as chemical sympathectomy more than seven years ago is suing a vascular surgeon in an action before the High Court. She claims that since undergoing the treatment in 1990, she has suffered severe pain in the thigh and groin area.
Mrs Mona Savage (69), of Dawson Court, Cross Avenue, Monkstown, Co Dublin, has brought her claim against Dr William Hederman, of Upper Leeson Street, Dublin. It is claimed that in 1990, while Mrs Savage was attending the Bon Secours Hospital, Glasnevin, Dublin, under the care of Dr Hederman, she underwent chemical sympathectomy between March 5th and March 8th.
Prior to that, Mrs Savage claims, she had enjoyed good health. Symptoms leading to her consultation with Dr Hederman had been present intermittently for several years. She said she noted a burning sensation on the soles of her feet associated at times with some swelling of her feet. These symptoms troubled her intermittently, and seemed to be provoked by flying in aircraft.
She was treated with lumbar sympathetic block injections between March 5th and 8th, 1990. Within hours of being given the last injection, she noticed a feeling of discomfort in the left thigh.
She was discharged on March 11th, 1990, and over that weekend the feeling developed into pain which became progressively unbearable. Dr Hederman, in his defence, denies the claim. It is claimed he was not guilty of the alleged or any negligence. In particular, it has denied that he, his servants or agents, provided advice or treatment or carried out procedures in a negligent or careless manner.
The hearing, before Mr Justice Quirke, is expected to continue.