Doctor faces misconduct hearing after leaving drain tubes in patient for 12 years
Crhk · 2 SOURCESabout 7 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
The Medical Council has begun a disciplinary hearing against Dr. Shek Ngok-yung for professional misconduct related to a breast surgery performed in 2011. The case involves drainage tube remnants left inside a patient's body for 12 years, only discovered in 2023 during a subsequent medical examination by another doctor .
Key Points
- Dr. Shek Ngok-yung performed a right breast fibroadenoma excision on January 30, 2011, but allegedly failed to fully remove the drainage tubes from the patient's body .
- Three drain tube remnants remained undetected inside the patient for 12 years until a 2023 breast examination by another physician revealed their presence .
- The prosecution's expert report states that doctors have a duty to ensure complete removal of drainage tubes and should promptly notice any abnormal tube length .
- The expert concluded that Dr. Shek's conduct fell far below reasonably expected professional standards .
- The defense has chosen not to contest the facts listed in the charge sheet or challenge the prosecution's expert report .
Why It Matters
This case highlights serious concerns about surgical accountability and long-term patient safety, particularly as it follows another recent Medical Council hearing involving a 16-year-delayed complaint about laser vision correction that caused corneal erosion . The outcome may influence standards for post-operative verification procedures and the Medical Council's handling of historical malpractice complaints.
This case highlights serious concerns about surgical accountability and long-term patient safety, particularly as it follows another recent Medical Council hearing involving a 16-year-delayed complaint about laser vision correction that caused corneal erosion . The outcome may influence standards for post-operative verification procedures and the Medical Council's handling of historical malpractice complaints.