Dr. Smith details treatment of Pablo Rodriguez's traumatic injuries at North Central Baptist

In a recent court session on May 7, 2025, Judge Stephanie Boyd presided over the case of State vs. Rendon, where critical testimony was provided by a seasoned trauma surgeon regarding the medical treatment of Pablo Rodriguez. The surgeon, who has nearly 20 years of experience and has worked at various trauma centers, detailed the injuries sustained by Rodriguez and the subsequent medical procedures performed.

Rodriguez was transferred to North Central Baptist Hospital in August 2023 after being diagnosed with an orbital wall fracture and later presenting with abdominal pain. The surgeon explained that upon reviewing Rodriguez's CAT scan, he observed air outside the intestines, a clear indication of a perforated intestine, which can often result from blunt force trauma. This finding led to an urgent surgical intervention.

During the surgery, the surgeon discovered a significant defect in Rodriguez's sigmoid colon and opted to remove the affected segment rather than attempt a repair. Rodriguez had reportedly been involved in a blunt assault, although he could not recall the specifics of the incident.

Following the initial surgery, Rodriguez faced complications, returning to the hospital two weeks later with a bowel obstruction, a common issue following abdominal surgeries due to scar tissue formation. The surgeon performed a second operation to address this complication, which included repairing a separation in the abdominal muscle caused by the pressure from the obstruction.

The surgeon confirmed that Rodriguez's prognosis was positive after the second surgery, indicating that he was expected to recover well despite the challenges faced during his treatment. This testimony sheds light on the serious nature of injuries resulting from violent altercations and the complex medical responses required to address them.

As the case progresses, the community remains attentive to the implications of such incidents and the judicial process that follows. The outcomes of this trial may resonate beyond the courtroom, highlighting the ongoing issues of violence and public safety in the area.