27 Jul 2015

Man dies after possibly unnecessary operation

4:49 pm on 27 July 2015

A 74-year-old man who died after having gallbladder surgery may not have needed the operation in the first place, the Health and Disability Commissioner has found.

Commissioner Anthony Hill today released a report criticising the surgeon involved, as well as the Tairawhiti District Health Board.

The surgeon failed to properly inform the man, who already had an extensive medical history, about the risks involved with the operation and that there were other alternatives.

She also demonstrated a lack of care when she decided to perform the surgery seven months after her initial review.

Mr Hill also found there was a lack of leadership, co-ordination and proper documentation in caring for the man after his condition started to deteriorate.

He died several days after surgery due to complications.

Get the RNZ app

for ad-free news and current affairs