Decision Report 201203163

Summary

Mr C had tests and investigations at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary over three years to try to identify the cause of his abdominal pain. He complained that these were not carried out in an appropriate manner, which meant he had unnecessary procedures and treatment. Mr C felt that there was a delay in him having an endoscopy (a procedure using a camera to look at the stomach) and that he should have been tested sooner for helicobacter pylori (bacteria that can cause inflammation in the lining of the stomach). He was also concerned that he was given unnecessary medication.

We obtained advice from a gastroenterologist (a specialist in the treatment of conditions affecting the liver, intestine and pancreas) and a surgeon in relation to the tests and surgical procedures. Both advisers said that these were reasonable given Mr C's ongoing symptoms and the results of the various tests. There was no indication that any of the tests should have been done sooner. It was also reasonable that Mr C was prescribed medication to see if it helped his symptoms, as there was an indication of an abnormality with his pancreatic duct (which connects the pancreas - a gland behind the stomach - with the intestine).

We concluded that Mr C received extensive assessments, investigations and treatment for his abdominal pain, and that the gastroenterology and surgical care he received was reasonable and appropriate.