In a shocking medical oversight, a Brazilian woman woke up from a knee surgery only to discover that the wrong leg had been operated on. Bianca Petermann Stoeckl sought treatment for her left knee at the Unimed Hospital in Foz do Iguacu, Brazil. However, she was horrified post-surgery that her right knee had been mistakenly operated on, according to Jam Press.
Image by Dr. Manuel González Reyes from Pixabay
Stoeckl recounted the moment of realisation, stating, "When I lifted the cover, my right knee was operated on. I called the team and said, 'The doctor operated on my wrong leg.'" Without hesitation, she filed a police report against the doctor responsible for the blunder. Although she eventually received the necessary surgery on her left knee, the unnecessary procedure on her right knee left her with a scar and a screw, thanks to a plate inserted during the mistaken operation.
Knee surgeries are known for their prolonged and challenging recovery periods. The National Health Service (NHS) notes that post-operative patients often require walking aids, regular movement to prevent blood clots, and prescribed exercises. Moreover, they are advised against specific actions and may need to miss work for up to 12 weeks.
Undergoing surgeries on both knees, as in Stoeckl's case, intensifies the recovery challenge. Such patients face increased strain on their bodies, making rehabilitation even more demanding. The Hospital for Special Surgery highlights the difficulties of bilateral knee replacements, where patients can't rely on either leg for support.
Stoeckl's case is under investigation by both the police and Brazil's Regional Council of Medicine; it serves as a cautionary tale for Nigerians considering medical procedures abroad. Ensuring thorough research and understanding of medical facilities and practices is crucial.
Image by Dr. Manuel González Reyes from Pixabay
Stoeckl recounted the moment of realisation, stating, "When I lifted the cover, my right knee was operated on. I called the team and said, 'The doctor operated on my wrong leg.'" Without hesitation, she filed a police report against the doctor responsible for the blunder. Although she eventually received the necessary surgery on her left knee, the unnecessary procedure on her right knee left her with a scar and a screw, thanks to a plate inserted during the mistaken operation.
Knee surgeries are known for their prolonged and challenging recovery periods. The National Health Service (NHS) notes that post-operative patients often require walking aids, regular movement to prevent blood clots, and prescribed exercises. Moreover, they are advised against specific actions and may need to miss work for up to 12 weeks.
Undergoing surgeries on both knees, as in Stoeckl's case, intensifies the recovery challenge. Such patients face increased strain on their bodies, making rehabilitation even more demanding. The Hospital for Special Surgery highlights the difficulties of bilateral knee replacements, where patients can't rely on either leg for support.
Stoeckl's case is under investigation by both the police and Brazil's Regional Council of Medicine; it serves as a cautionary tale for Nigerians considering medical procedures abroad. Ensuring thorough research and understanding of medical facilities and practices is crucial.
