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Family Blames Doctor For Death Of Loved One
posted (November 5, 2010)
Last night we had an extended feature about a court determined case of medical malpractice. It is a rare case, as malpractice is often claimed, but rarely proven.

But one family claims they are victims. And while they haven't even gone to the court, they came to us, grieving because their loved one died when they felt she didn't have to. I found out more:…

The family of Darret Lewis charges that a procedure conducted by Dr. Gabourel known as an ERCP, caused her untimely death. Choking back the tears, Lewis' sister told Seven News why she felt the need to come to the media.

Therese Lewis, Sister of Darret Lewis
"It took a long time for us to come to this TV station or any TV Station because the death of my sister; because me and the rest of my family are in a terrible shock because I never expect it would have caused the death of my sister."

Lewis was referred to Dr. Gabourel after her primary physician had ordered an ultra sound and determined that an ERCP was required to remove blockage of her bile duct. Gabourel is the only medical practitioner in the country that can perform an ERCP, ERCP is an endoscopic procedure used to access essentially the drainage of the liver. Gabourel says Lewis was suffering from a blockage of her bile duct, which was causing a ceptic condition.

Dr. Irvin Gabourel, Gastroenterologist
"She had a chronic process which needed to be corrected. She had something called colangitis, which is an infection of the biliary tree. She had sepsis, she was getting poisoned by her own bile. Why? Because the bile wasn't flowing and this is why she was yellow, she was having fever and pain."

Jim McFadzean
"Dr. Gabriel, did Darret Lewis die as a result of the procedure you performed at KHMH?"

Dr. Irvin Gabourel, Gastroenterologist
"She died from a complication of a disease that was a long standing illness affecting her liver, her bile duct and as a result of that she had all these complications on top."

Therese Lewis, Sister of Darret Lewis
"After the procedure finished and they brought her out my sister start bleeding and I ask Dr. Gabourel why is she bleeding and Dr. Gabourel says that it is after blood from the surgery that she got. I don't believe it, my family doesn't believe it. I believe when Dr. Gabourel went and gave my sister surgery, I honest believe that Dr. Gabourel burst my sister's bile duct."

Jim McFadzean
"The sister of Darett is accusing you personally of malpractice and of negligence in carrying out this procedure claiming that somehow you ruptured the bile duct. Is that true? Any truth?"

Dr. Irvin Gabourel, Gastroenterologist
"Far from the truth. It's unfortunate, whenever a family member dies it's a painful process. It's unfortunate we as doctors we feel the loss of life over anybody especially if it's a patient of yours."

Due to patient confidentiality, the doctor was unable to discuss the patient's medical history, but the family told Seven News that she was a NIH patient prior to seeing Dr. Gabourel.

Therese Lewis, Sister of Darret Lewis
"I might never be able to help my sister but I might be able to help another family. They have to take this under consideration and not everything that Dr. Gabourel or any doctor tells them that this is the procedure and this happen and this is what happens. Always ask questions."

p> The family of Lewis says they have not ruled out taking legal action, and Dr. Gabourel says he has already consulted with his attorney, in the event the Lewis should pursue redress from the courts.

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