Surgeon disciplined for removing inmate's good kidney, leaving tumorous one [oops]

OC Register ^ | 12-3-14 | Jenna Chandler

[JoeFromSidney]

I suspect dialysis would be inconvenient.

"Inconvenient" is an understatement. My first wife was on dialysis the last five years of her life. The only good thing I can say about it is that it gave her an additional five years. Thank God for small favors, or something.

[Texas Songwriter]

Boy, isn’t that the truth!!!!!

[Mjaye]

Same exact thing happened at a local hospital where I worked years ago. Allegedly, some radiology pix were turned around, plus other errors in not following check and balance procedures. My docs have always made notes on me with some kind of permanent marker that is hard to get off later. And we all agree on what they are doing and where before surgery.

[trebb]

This is an area where zero tolerance should be the rule. Whoever made the mistake on the paperwork should never be allowed near a medical facility again. And the doctor, same thing.

Yep - protocol says they don't go in unless they have triple verified the proper area/procedure - and marked it.

Some will say it's OK because the victim was a Federal inmate while ignoring the real import of such stories.

[Arthur McGowan]

I seem to remember a story years ago about where the PATIENT is given a magic marker and draws and writes on his own abdomen, or arm, or leg, “Remove THIS one.”

[trebb]

I seem to remember a story years ago about where the PATIENT is given a magic marker and draws and writes on his own abdomen, or arm, or leg, “Remove THIS one.”

I have had several procedures done over the last few years. Invariably, the prep crew asks questions and marks the area/side where the procedure is to occur. Then, the doctor stops by for a short chat and verifies before the anesthesiologist gives the happy juice.