- Seven people involved in the emergency surgery are now under investigation
A neurosurgeon is facing a criminal investigation after allowing her teenage daughter to drill into a patient’s skull during surgery.
The medic, whose identity was not disclosed, was employed at University Hospital Graz in Austria and reportedly guided her 13-year-old daughter step-by-step through the procedure in January.
She allegedly went as far as letting her daughter drill into the skull of 33-year-old Gregor R., who required emergency surgery following a head injury from a forest accident.
Graz Public Prosecutor Hansjoerg Bacher confirmed that both the neurosurgeon and a second doctor were swiftly dismissed from the hospital following the incident.
Bacher also confirmed that the two, along with five others involved in the emergency surgery, are now under investigation for serious bodily harm.
The medic, whose identity was not disclosed, was employed at University Hospital Graz in Austria (pictured)
The neurosurgeon is facing a criminal investigation after allowing her teenage daughter to drill into a patient’s skull during surgery. Pictured: the University Hospital in Graz
He said: ‘We are currently still waiting for the final report from the criminal investigation department.’
The patient only learned the truth about his surgery when the police revealed the details afterwards. He is reportedly still dealing with the aftereffects of the accident.
His lawyer, Peter Freiberger, said he plans to pursue legal action against everyone involved and seek compensation if needed.
Freiberger said: ‘The operation and the drilling were necessary, that is beyond dispute for us. But it’s a question of letting a 13-year-old do something like that.’
Freiberger criticised the behaviour of the hospital’s management and pointed out that everyone in the operating room shares responsibility since they had the opportunity to prevent a 13-year-old from taking part in the op.
He said: ‘There was no contact, no explanation or apology, nothing. That is simply undignified.’
The hospital commented: ‘Contact was not made because the patient joined the criminal proceedings as a private party and is therefore a party to the criminal proceedings.
‘The operation was carried out without complications. Finally, we would like to state that we are very sorry about the incident and are committed to fully clarifying the matter.’
Graz Public Prosecutor Hansjoerg Bacher confirmed that both the neurosurgeon and a second doctor were swiftly dismissed from the hospital. Image shows Graz, Austria