Tony Dixon had ‘unnecessary’ surgeries in more than 200 cases, review says

A former surgeon accused of ignoring dozens of patients he tried to treat with a new type of surgery said the controversy had made him “lose his libido.”

Hundreds of people with intestinal problems saw Tony Dixon at two Bristol hospitals and underwent pioneering mesh surgery.

This technique uses an artificial mesh to lift the prolapsed intestine. It most commonly affects women as it can be triggered by childbirth.

A study from Southmead Hospital found that although the results were “satisfactory”, surgery was “unnecessary” in more than 200 cases, suggesting that less invasive alternatives should be considered first.

Several of his patients claim to have been left “crippled” and suffering physical and mental anguish.

Mr. Dixon is suing Southmead to stop him from giving the documents to the attorneys working behind the former patient’s negligence claims.

The High Court has now refused his offer to remain anonymous during the proceedings.

His attorney argued that the media coverage of the controversy caused him mental health problems and that the additional publicity he received in connection with the lawsuit could harm him.

Paula Goss Collection. He was one of 73 patients who received letters saying they needed controversial intestinal mesh surgery despite residual chronic pain. He underwent surgery and the hospital trust granted. An 18-month study found that 57 female patients treated by surgeon Tony Dixon should be offered alternative treatments before surgery. Women spoke of being left with severe pain and even disability after pelvic surgery. Soil surgery using artificial mesh. Dixon, who was fired in 2017 over initial concerns, pioneered the use of artificial mesh to lift bowel prolapse, which is often caused by childbirth.

Paula Goss said the pain and discomfort got worse after the surgery (Picture: SWNS)

A psychiatrist reportedly told the court that Dixon was suffering from mild depression, including “trouble sleeping”, “loss of appetite” and “loss of libido”.

But the judge said caution was “the price that must be paid for open justice and freedom of the press.”

Dixon’s attempt to avoid the press was described as “outrageous” by Paula Goss, who founded Rectopexy Mesh Victims and helps those she treats.

he said:

we must live what he did. You have to meet him in a world that causes problems.

“Since he passed away, people have waited a long time to see justice in 2017.

The stress of multiple surgeries, including mesh surgery, led to a nervous breakdown, according to Mandy Giltrow (Picture: SWNS)

“So people complaining about media coverage of suicidal thoughts and depression seems very unfair compared to what we’ve been through.

Goss added:

“He must be thinking of the hundreds of patients who don’t have libido or suicidal thoughts. He’s trying to prove that he does.”

Dixon has previously said that surgery can have complications and that his operations were performed conscientiously and were mostly successful.

A spokesperson for North Bristol NHS Trust said: “We welcome the Court’s decision that this is a matter where the usual principles of open justice should once again apply.

A GMC investigation into Dixon’s activities will take place at a later date.

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