In a tragic turn of events, a 26-year-old man from Puducherry, S Hemachandran, lost his life while undergoing metabolic treatment and Bariatric surgery at a private hospital located in Pammal, a suburb of Chennai. Hemachandran, who weighed 150 kg, was admitted for surgery but faced complications during administration of anesthesia on Monday, which ultimately led to his passing on Tuesday night (1✔ ✔Reliable source
Perioperative mortality in bariatric surgery: meta-analysis
). Hemachandran, an IT professional who works from home, had reportedly sought surgery to fix his weight problems. His father D Selvanathan lodged a complaint against Dr Perungo, the treating doctor, his assistant and the BP Jain Hospital in Pammal with the Shankar Nagar police.
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Selvanathan revealed that they initially approached Dr Perungo at Rela Hospital after watching his videos on YouTube last year. Although they were advised to undergo a series of tests before surgery, financial constraints forced them to postpone the procedure. However, they resumed talks with the doctor earlier this year, only to be informed of the high cost of the surgery.
Despite the challenges, Hemachandran underwent all the necessary tests at Rela Hospital on April 3. However, due to the high blood sugar levels, the surgery was postponed until his condition improved. Subsequently, he was admitted to BP Jain Hospital on April 21 and taken to the operation theater on April 22.
Tragically, complications arose during the administration of anesthesia, leading to the decision to shift Hemachandran to Rela Hospital. Despite the efforts made, Hemachandran’s life could not be saved.
Selvanathan, devastated by the loss of his son, called for strict action against the doctor, his assistant and the hospital. He insisted that they did not know the details of what happened during the surgery and sought justice for the untimely death of his son.
Risk associated with bariatric surgery
According to a comprehensive study conducted in 2021, analyzing data from millions of patients, the findings reveal that the short-term mortality risk associated with bariatric surgery is extremely low, less than 1 in 1,000, approximately 0.08%. The 1-year case fatality rate is around 1%, while the 5-year case fatality rate is almost 6%.
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The incident serves as a poignant reminder of the risks associated with medical procedures, especially in cases involving major interventions such as weight loss surgery. It underscores the importance of thorough assessment, clear communication, and attentive follow-up throughout the process to ensure patient safety and well-being.
Factors that can cause death during or after bariatric surgery
Several factors may contribute to mortality during or after bariatric surgery, including:
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1. Surgical complications:
These may include bleedinginfection, organ damage, or adverse reactions to anesthesia during the surgery itself.
2. Medical Conditions:
Patients with pre-existing health problems, such as heart disease, diabetes, or breathing problems, may face greater risks during surgery and recovery.
3. Risks related to obesity:
Severe obesity itself is associated with increased risks of complications during surgery and can exacerbate existing health problems.
4. Nutritional deficiencies:
Bariatric surgery can cause changes in nutrient absorption, which could cause deficiencies in essential vitamins and minerals if not managed properly.
5. Postoperative complications:
These may include blood clots, pneumoniaor complications related to the surgical site, which may increase the risk of mortality in the weeks following surgery.
6. Patient factors:
Individual factors such as age, smoking statusand general health may also influence the risk of complications and mortality associated with bariatric surgery.
7. Lack of follow-up care:
Proper postoperative care and follow-up are crucial to identify and manage any complications that may arise after surgery.
It is important for patients considering bariatric surgery to thoroughly discuss these risks with their healthcare providers and ensure they have a comprehensive understanding of the procedure and its potential outcomes.
As investigations into the matter unfold, authorities are expected to determine the circumstances surrounding Hemachandran’s death and take appropriate measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future. Meanwhile, our thoughts and condolences go out to S Hemachandran’s family and loved ones during this difficult time.
Reference:
- Perioperative mortality in bariatric surgery: meta-analysis – (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34297806/)
Source-Medindia
