A Kiwi neurosurgeon has been told he should apologise after accidentally operating on the wrong part of a patient's skull.
A new report released on Monday into the incident by the Health and Disability Commissioner shows how the incident occurred.
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The man, known as 'Mr A', was due to undergo surgery for a tumour in 2015. A machine was used to guide where the incisions were to be made, and marks were made on the man's skin.
Unfortunately, it was only once the incision had been made that the surgeons released they were operating in the wrong location.
"[T]he exact cause of this is uncertain to me although there may have been a small movement in the articulated arm," the lead surgeon, 'Dr B', said in the report.
The neurosurgeon extended the bone opening into what he thought would be the correct area.
However, it became apparent that the opening had been made in the wrong place of the man's skull and the operation was discontinued.
Because of the error, any more attempts to remove the tumour via surgery were considered to be too risky.
Mr A then received radiotherapy, but sadly he died sometime later as a result of the cancer.
Commissioner Anthony Hill has found the neurosurgeon had breached the Code of Health and Disability Services Consumers' Rights. He has recommended the neurosurgeon apologise to the man's family.
"Taking the time to undertake any checks available to ascertain that the surgeon is in the right place before proceeding with such surgery is paramount," he says.
Newshub.
