Dr Christopher Touloukian

Full Report

Key Points

• Dr. Christopher Touloukian, a general surgeon, was involved in a high-profile medical malpractice case resulting in a $7.43 million jury verdict in 2019 for negligent gallbladder surgery performed in 2015 at Canton-Potsdam Hospital in New York.
• The surgery caused severe, life-altering injuries to patient Howard Kinch, including damage to his bile duct system, requiring lifelong medical interventions.
• Allegations centered on Touloukian’s negligence in placing a surgical clip incorrectly and failing to adequately visualize the surgical field.
• The case represents a significant reputational and legal risk, though Touloukian’s current professional status remains unclear.

Overview

Dr. Christopher Touloukian is a general surgeon who performed a laparoscopic cholecystectomy (gallbladder removal surgery) at Canton-Potsdam Hospital in Canton, New York, in November 2015. Little is known about his broader career, education, or current practice based on the provided sources. The focus of available information is his involvement in a single medical malpractice lawsuit stemming from a botched gallbladder surgery on Howard Kinch, a 34-year-old patient at the time. The case, which resulted in one of the largest plaintiff verdicts in St. Lawrence County history, has drawn significant attention to Touloukian’s surgical practices in this instance.

Allegations and Concerns

• Medical Malpractice Lawsuit (2019):
  • Case Details: Howard Kinch underwent a laparoscopic cholecystectomy performed by Touloukian on November 23, 2015. One week post-surgery, Kinch was re-hospitalized with bile in his abdomen, indicating a surgical error. The jury found Touloukian negligent for incorrectly placing a surgical clip, which transected the common hepatic bile duct, causing severe damage.
  • Outcome: The jury awarded Kinch and his wife approximately $7.43 million in damages after an eight-day trial in state Supreme Court in Canton, New York, on August 21, 2019. The verdict is noted as one of the largest for a gallbladder removal case nationwide.
  • Allegations: Kinch’s legal team, led by attorney Thomas Mortati of Martin, Harding & Mazzotti, LLP, alleged that Touloukian failed to adequately visualize the surgical field and transected the bile duct due to negligence. The incorrect clip placement led to life-altering injuries, including the need for a permanent external drain, daily saline flushes, and multiple surgical procedures for life.

Customer Feedback

• Lack of Consumer Reviews: The provided sources do not include direct consumer reviews or patient feedback about Touloukian’s practice, likely due to the focus on legal proceedings rather than platforms like health review sites (e.g., Healthgrades, Vitals).
• Indirect Feedback via Lawsuit: The plaintiff’s attorney, Thomas Mortati, stated, “Nothing will ever make [Kinch] whole. Certainly he will have medical care that will take care of him for the rest of his life. But trust me, he would trade this jury verdict to be just a normal human being again.” This reflects the severe impact of the surgery on Kinch’s quality of life but is not a traditional review.
• Positive Feedback: No positive patient testimonials or reviews are available in the sources.

Risk Considerations

• Reputational Risk: The $7.43 million verdict and associated publicity likely damaged Touloukian’s professional reputation. Media coverage from outlets like WWNYTV and legal blogs may deter potential patients, especially in the St. Lawrence County area.
• Legal Risk: The lawsuit indicates a significant liability for malpractice. While no additional lawsuits are noted, the severity of this case could prompt scrutiny from medical boards or future legal actions if similar errors occur.
• Financial Risk: Touloukian and/or his employer (Canton-Potsdam Hospital) were responsible for the $7.43 million verdict, likely covered by malpractice insurance. However, repeated incidents could increase insurance premiums or affect employability.
• Professional Risk: The case may have led to restrictions on Touloukian’s medical license, hospital privileges, or employment status, though no such actions are confirmed in the sources.

Business Relations and Associations

• Employer: Touloukian was employed by or affiliated with Canton-Potsdam Hospital, where the surgery took place. The hospital was contacted for comment by WWNYTV but did not respond, suggesting limited public engagement on the issue.
• Legal Representation: The sources do not specify Touloukian’s legal team, but the plaintiff’s attorneys were from Martin, Harding & Mazzotti, LLP, an Albany-based firm.
• No Other Partnerships: No additional professional associations, such as medical boards, academic affiliations, or private practice details, are provided.

Legal and Financial Concerns

• Lawsuit: The primary concern is the 2019 malpractice lawsuit, resulting in a $7.43 million verdict. Kinch and his wife sued Touloukian and his employer, alleging negligence in the surgical procedure. No appeal or settlement post-verdict is mentioned.

Risk Assessment Table

Dr. Christopher Touloukian’s involvement in a $7.43 million malpractice verdict highlights significant concerns about his surgical competence in at least one instance. The 2015 gallbladder surgery error, which caused catastrophic injuries to Howard Kinch, points to deficiencies in surgical technique (e.g., improper clip placement) and intraoperative decision-making (e.g., inadequate visualization). The absence of additional complaints or reviews limits a broader assessment, but the severity of this case—marked by one of the largest verdicts for a gallbladder surgery—suggests a critical lapse in care. Touloukian’s current status, including whether he continues to practice, is unknown, which complicates risk evaluation.