CBS Minnesota – A Twin Cities woman is suing over an alleged medical mistake that she says cost her a healthy left kidney.
In a lawsuit filed Friday, Wendy Rappaport of Plymouth accuses the surgeon and the Allina hospital system of medical malpractice and battery.
Allina says the court filings “don’t accurately reflect the full picture” and intends to fight the suit in court.
Rappaport was admitted to Abbott Northwestern in March 2022 and was scheduled for a spleen removal surgery, the lawsuit says. After the doctor recommended the surgery, the suit says he reviewed the risk of procedure with her.
Before the surgery, a CT scan showed that Rappaport’s kidneys were “unremarkable. No suspicious masses, stones, or hydronephrosis,” according to the lawsuit. Rappaport did not consent to the removal of her left kidney, documents state.
In a statement Tuesday afternoon, Rappaport’s lawyers said:
The Schmidt and Salita Law Team represents Wendy Rappaport for injuries she suffered as a result of the negligent and unnecessary removal of her left kidney.
The Defendants were supposed to remove a “sick” spleen but removed the incorrect organ.
As a result, Ms. Rappaport suffers not only the loss of her left kidney but also permanent kidney impairment, and she requires specific medical treatment to maintain her ongoing kidney function.
This was not the case for Ms. Rappaport prior to the unnecessary kidney removal. On 5/16/2025, we commenced the lawsuit on Ms. Rappaport’s behalf seeking fair compensation for her injuries and the future damages she will incur due to the Defendant’s medical malpractice and medical battery.
The removal of the incorrect organ has and will continue to have a profound and unnecessary impact on her life and health.
