Oregon patient Trisha Stevens and her husband, Brian Stevens, are seeking $68.5 million in a medical malpractice lawsuit against multiple Portland-area doctors and healthcare provider Legacy Health after a routine hysterectomy led to septic shock and quadruple amputations, KGW reported. The October 2024 operation resulted in the loss of both of Trisha’s legs above the knee, her right hand at the wrist, and portions of her left fingers, alongside severe tissue necrosis affecting her lips, tongue, and spinal cord.
The lawsuit details a cascading series of alleged oversights across multiple medical facilities in the Portland region following the initial procedure on October 4, 2024. As the legal complaint moves forward, the family faces extensive home modifications and lifestyle changes stemming from permanent paraplegia and the loss of daily independence.
Surgical Complications and Pathology Oversight at Adventist Health
Trisha Stevens underwent a routine hysterectomy performed by Dr. Alvin Nakamura on October 4, 2024, at Adventist Health in Portland. Four days after the procedure, pathology results indicated tissue inflammation, according to the lawsuit. The legal complaint alleges that Dr. Nakamura never reviewed these results, informed the patient, or initiated follow-up care to address the inflammatory markers.
Roughly two weeks after surgery, Trisha experienced severe abdominal pain and vaginal bleeding while walking down bleachers at her son’s softball game. She contacted Dr. Nakamura’s clinic, Bridgetown Medical Group, reporting continued bleeding, a blood clot the size of a baseball, a low-grade fever, diarrhea, and stomach cramping. Through a nurse, Dr. Nakamura advised her to monitor the bleeding at home and return only if she passed another large clot.
Emergency Admission and Septic Shock at Legacy Mount Hood
Later that night, Trisha arrived at the emergency room at Legacy Mount Hood presenting with a racing heart, low blood pressure, rapid breathing, and heavy vaginal bleeding measured at three pads per hour. Hospital staff diagnosed her with peritonitis, an inflammation of the abdominal lining; lactic acidosis; and acute kidney injury, which quickly escalated to bacteremia and septic shock.
Dr. Gregory Eilers, the on-call OB/GYN at the hospital, noted that the edges of Trisha’s surgical closure were separated and raw, leading to a diagnosis of a surgical site infection. However, the lawsuit claims that Dr. Eilers did not recommend exploratory surgery or test for internal abdominal infection. The complaint alleges that Legacy Health staff delayed treatment for the abdominal infection and mismanaged her blood pressure.
Life-Changing Amputations and Ongoing Rehabilitation
The spreading infection resulted in multiple organ failure over the following weeks. Surgeons performed above-the-knee amputations on both of Trisha’s legs and removed her right hand at the wrist, alongside portions of her left thumb and fingers. Tissue necrosis caused permanent damage to her lips and tongue, hair loss, and spinal cord damage that left her paraplegic.
Brian Stevens now acts as his wife’s full-time caretaker. The family home lacks wheelchair accessibility, presenting physical barriers such as the gravel driveway that prevents Trisha from joining her family outside. The lawsuit names Dr. Nakamura, Bridgetown Medical Group, multiple unnamed doctors, and regional healthcare giant Legacy Health, demanding $68.5 million in damages for alleged medical negligence.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Lawsuit
Which healthcare providers and medical professionals are named in the $68.5 million lawsuit?
The lawsuit names Dr. Alvin Nakamura, Bridgetown Medical Group, multiple Portland-area doctors, and regional healthcare giant Legacy Health. The legal action was filed by Trisha Stevens and her husband, Brian Stevens.
What specific medical conditions and injuries resulted from the post-hysterectomy infection?
Trisha developed peritonitis, lactic acidosis, acute kidney injury, and septic shock following her October 4, 2024 hysterectomy. The resulting tissue necrosis and organ failure required the amputation of both legs above the knee, her right hand at the wrist, and parts of her left fingers, while also causing paraplegia and damage to her lips and tongue.
Where was the initial hysterectomy performed and where was emergency care administered?
The initial hysterectomy was performed by Dr. Alvin Nakamura at Adventist Health in Portland. Emergency treatment and subsequent intensive care for septic shock were administered at the Legacy Mount Hood emergency room.
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