Injury during baby’s adenoidectomy leads to stroke

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The plaintiff was a 1-year-old who sustained injury to her left internal carotid artery during an adenoidectomy, resulting in ischemic stroke.

On Nov. 15, 2022, the plaintiff underwent an adenoidectomy procedure performed by an attending doctor and a resident. They used a microdebrider and noted there was a sudden rush of blood that rapidly filled the patient’s oral and nasal cavities. They suctioned and packed the nasopharynx with tonsil sponges, but the bleeding continued.

The anesthesiologist called for help, started a second 22 gauge, administered fluids, called for packed red blood cells and the trauma pack, and administered albumin.

Additional intravenous access was established, and volume resuscitation was initiated with crystalloid and blood products. Neurosurgery was called for an emergency consultation due to concern for injury to the vessels at the skull base.

It was determined the adenoid had not been removed. In fact, the adenoid tissue was completely intact, but the left torus had been resected and the sponges were obliterating a large defect in the lateral wall of the nasopharynx.

The plaintiff required the massive transfusion protocol to manage her blood loss. A CTA of her head and neck showed a dissection of the left internal carotid artery. She was transferred to another hospital where she underwent angiography and endovascular coiling by neurosurgery. A left internal carotid artery vessel sacrifice was performed.

After that procedure, the plaintiff underwent an MRI, which revealed evolving acute ischemia in the left cerebral artery territory and scattered infarcts.

The plaintiff recovered well and did not have any focal deficits. Neuromuscularly, she was fully intact. Her receptive speech was excellent. Her expressive speech has been improving significantly, and she has no swallowing, dysphagia, respiratory or voice issues. To avoid an increased likelihood of trauma to the neck, the plaintiff’s family was advised against having her participate in contact sports and martial arts.

The plaintiff claimed the defendants failed adequately to locate the adenoids, improperly resected other areas including the torus, and damaged the internal carotid artery, resulting in a stroke and vessel sacrifice.

The defendants contended they were not negligent; the injury was a risk of the procedure; and they contested damages as the patient was doing well in regular preschool.

The case settled during discovery.

Action: Medical malpractice
Injuries alleged: Injury to internal carotid artery resulting in ischemic stroke
Case name: Withheld
Court/case no.: Withheld
Jury and/or judge: N/A (settled)
Amount: $4.25 million
Date: January 2026
Attorneys: Andrew C. Meyer and William J. Thompson, of Lubin & Meyer, Boston (for the plaintiff)