A man had his gallbladder removed laparoscopically. Shortly afterward, he began having abdominal symptoms that required further work-up. Despite a worsening condition, the man was not seen back in the office until it was too late. By this time, he was in severe pain and could barely walk.

Emergency surgery revealed that the common bile duct had been clipped, causing terrible pain and suffering and temporary kidney damage. The common bile duct should never be clipped off during laparoscopic gallbladder surgery. Once the corrective surgery was completed, the patient required a few months of recuperation and was given a clean bill of health shortly afterward.