A $1,100,000 pre-trial settlement of a wrongful death action in which the decedent’s death was caused by an infection resulting from an enterocutaneous fistula, an abnormal connection that develops between the intestinal tract and the skin, after surgery for a small bowel obstruction.  The decedent’s estate argued that the fistula should have been surgically repaired when it was apparent that conservative treatment was failing.  The defendant surgeon testified in his deposition that surgery would have been complicated and wanted to try a longer period of conservative treatment.  He also testified that the decedent and her husband were not properly caring for her wound at home.  The decedent’s estate alleged that the risk of a fatal infection increased with the fistula permitted to remain open (as a pathway for bacteria) and that if surgery had been performed at the appropriate time the decedent would have survived.