Qld: Patel accidentally tore patient's oesophagus: court

AAP General News (Australia)
04-21-2010
Qld: Patel accidentally tore patient's oesophagus: court

The Supreme Court in Brisbane's been told Dr JAYANT PATEL accidentally tore a patient's
oesophagus and nicked his jugular vein while performing a major operation.

Dr EMMA IGRAS said she noted on JAMES EDWARD PHILLIPS' hospital chart that the oesophagus
was "inadvertently torn" during the procedure at Bundaberg Base Hospital in May 2003.

The court heard yesterday PATEL also cut Mr PHILLIPS' jugular vein during the operation
to remove part of his oesophagus .. causing blood loss that required four bags of intravenous

fluids.

PATEL has pleaded not guilty to the manslaughter of Mr PHILLIPS .. who died two days
after the operation .. and of two other patients .. as well as the grievous bodily harm
of another man .. when he was director of surgery at Bundaberg Hospital between 2003 and
2005.

AAP RTV cf/pjo/jmt

KEYWORD: PATEL (BRISBANE)

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