Michelle Torma vs. Presbyterian Healthcare Services, et al.

Case Background

On October 29, 2021, Plaintiff Michelle Torma filed a Medical malpractice and medical negligence lawsuit in the New Mexico State, Albuquerque District Court (Case number: D-202-CV-202106274 ). Judge Denise Barela-Shepherd presided over this case.

Cause

On January 29, 2019, surgical personnel at Presbyterian Hospital in Albuquerque, New Mexico, performed a complex procedure on Michelle Torma to remove a 75-pound benign tumor. Dr. Karen Finkelstein, a gynecologic oncologist at Southwest Women’s Oncology, led the surgery using a 13-inch by 2-inch metal retractor. Despite the life-saving nature of the operation, the surgical team mistakenly left the retractor in Torma’s abdomen. After the surgery, Torma reported persistent abdominal pain, nausea, anxiety, and an inability to sleep. A CT scan on March 28, 2019, revealed the metal retractor, which had remained inside her body for 58 days. Dr. Finkelstein, who performed the initial surgery, also conducted a second operation to remove the retractor. Presbyterian Healthcare Services stated that Dr. Finkelstein was an independent provider, not a hospital employee. Torma filed a medical negligence lawsuit in 2021 against Presbyterian Healthcare Ser