Marvulli v. Elshire

Opinion

LILLIE, Acting P. J.

While undergoing a hemorrhoidectomy performed at a Los Angeles hospital in May of 1967, plaintiff-wife suffered an adverse reaction (“hypoxia”) to the anesthetic administered—her respiration either stopped or became shallow for a period of time fixed at from less than a minute to three minutes. After completion of surgery, following reestablishment of respiration, she was taken to the hospital’s intensive care unit; six days later, however, she had a relapse and lost consciousness for 10 days. After six weeks in the hospital, she was taken, home. Plaintiff-husband…