A North Platte couple filed a lawsuit against a former North Platte doctor over what they say was an unnecessary and botched operation that damaged the woman’s vocal chords.

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Barbara and Bradley Peterson filed suit against Dr. Lawrence Davis, now living in Colorado, on Dec. 7.

They alleged in their complaint that in December 2007 Barbara was seen at Davis’ office for treatment of a multinodular goiter. Davis recommended a total thyroidectomy be performed, the document said.

Davis explained to Barbara that he would use a recurrent laryngeal nerves monitoring device during the procedure to identify and avoid damage to the sensitive nerves in her throat, the suit claimed.

Immediately following the procedure, however, Barbara Peterson began experiencing hoarseness and shortness of breath. The suit stated that Davis saw Peterson at least six times following the procedure, and each time she exhibited those symptoms.

The lawsuit alleged Davis told Peterson the problems would abate and that he vocal cords were not damaged during the procedure.

In March 2008 Kearney ear, nose, and throat specialist Dr. Thomas Connely evaluated Barbara Peterson, the suit said. He diagnosed her with bilateral vocal cord paresis, meaning her vocal cords were not functioning. Connely also told Peterson that despite Davis’ claims to the contrary, the North Platte doctor had not uses a monitoring device during the thyroidectomy, the suit stated.

In July 2008 Omaha ear nose and throat physician Dr. Frederic Ogren confirmed Connely’s diagnosis, and the lawsuit said in August 2008 Barbara Peterson had to be checked into the emergency room at Great Plains Regional Medical Center due to respiratory distress.

In January 2009, Ogren performed a tracheostomy and laser cordotomy on Barbara Peterson. The suit said a few days later she experienced severe breathing difficulties and was again taken to GPRMC.

The lawsuit said Ogren removed Peterson’s tracheostomy tube in May 2009.

The Petersons claim Davis was negligent in not employing a monitoring device and that the procedure was unnecessary in the first place. Barbara suffered permanent vocal cord damage, scarring on her neck from the tracheostomy (necessitated by the botched thyroidectomy), and permanent shortness of breath, according to the complaint.

They are seeking damages for past and future medical expenses, loss of income, and pain and suffering. The suit claimed medical expenses had already exceeded $67,000.

Davis was also named in a lawsuit filed in July by the estate of Doug Watson. That lawsuit alleged that Davis inserted a tube into Watson’s artery, instead of his jugular vein, leading to a crippling stroke. No new motions have been filed in that case since August.