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Surgeon's 36-Minute Mastectomy Questioned in Inquest
18 Mar
Summary
- A mastectomy was performed in just 36 minutes by a disgraced surgeon.
- The patient's death is being investigated by an inquest.
- The surgeon's speed and surgical techniques are under scrutiny.
An inquest has raised questions about a 36-minute mastectomy performed by disgraced surgeon Ian Paterson on patient Eunice Jones in January 2002. Counsel for the inquest suggested that this timeframe was inadequate for a proper mastectomy.
Paterson, who is currently serving a 20-year sentence for wounding patients through unnecessary operations, defended his efficiency. He stated that operating speeds vary, and his quicker pace did not mean the operation was incomplete. Jones's family expressed surprise at her being offered reconstructive surgery eight months later, given her diagnosis of metastatic bone disease in April 2003.
The inquest is investigating the deaths of 67 former patients of Paterson to determine if they were unnatural deaths resulting from his care. A key focus is the extent to which he may have spared breast tissue, potentially increasing the risk of cancer recurrence.
