Woman alleges malpractice over hysterectomy

A Jefferson County woman is suing the doctors who performed her hysterectomy, citing medical malpractice.

According to a lawsuit filed Feb. 6 in Jefferson County District Court, Martha Nalley is suing Drs. James F. Kirby and J. Coffy Pieternelle, and Southeast Texas OB/GYN Associates in Beaumont.

On Nov. 27, 2012, according to the lawsuit, Nalley had a laparoscopic-assisted vaginal hysterectomy at Christus St. Elizabeth Hospital in Beaumont, Kirby was the principal surgeon, assisted by Pieternelle.

Severe pain, the lawsuit states, was suffered immediately after surgery, which the nurses allegedly noted was uncommon.

After several months of continuing to suffer pain, Kirby had a CT scan performed, after which he informed the plaintiff that the retractor used in surgery had scraped her pubic bone, causing osteititis pubic and was possibly infected.

The pain has continued, with Nalley sometimes being unable to walk.

The plaintiff, citing physical pain suffered as a result of alleged medical negligence, mental anguish, medical expenses and physical impairment, seeks damages in excess of $50,000, plus costs.

The plaintiff is represented by Craig Lewis of the Lewis Law Firm in Houston.

Jefferson County District Court case no. A-196675