A doctor-gynecologist was sentenced to 30 months in prison, suspended, as he was found guilty of the negligent death of a 47-year-old patient of his, following a surgical operation to remove her uterus (hysterectomy), in March 2017, in Thessaloniki.

The case was examined in the second degree by the Three-member Misdemeanor Appeal Court of Thessaloniki, which imposed a sentence reduced by 6 months compared to the court of first instance (with recognition of mitigating previous cohabitation).

According to the case file, the 67-year-old defendant was the woman’s gynecologist for a number of years. This specific surgery was deemed necessary and was carried out in a private clinic in Thessaloniki. After the surgery, however, the health condition of the 47-year-old presented complications resulting in bleeding and for this reason she was rushed to the “G. Papageorgiou” hospital, where she underwent a new surgery. But he didn’t make it due to the heavy bleeding and eventually suffered a heart attack.

“I was not informed that something was wrong with the patient’s health condition, otherwise I would have gone to deal with the incident. I spoke to the nurse and said “check the vitals and if there is a problem let me know”. They didn’t follow my instructions. In our specialty, among other things, cooperation with the staff is also required,” said the doctor in his apology, disclaiming his responsibilities. He also mentioned that he has done about 150 similar operations, while he expressed his regret for the death of the woman, whom he had given birth to.

“The code of medical ethics has clearly been violated. He did not act to deal with the danger during the post-operative stage and is responsible for the death of the patient,” said the prosecutor of the appellate court, asking for the guilt of the 67-year-old gynecologist.

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