Question:
I just found out that my surgeon lost a patient about 2 weeks ago
This is their first death after nearly 300 surgeries. However when I requested information about the death I was told that the wife didn't want an autopsy done so they couldn't be sure what the exact cause of death was. I also asked if she (the program manager) would tell me any of the persons stats (ie BMI etc) she said she couldn't (which I understand). My question is.. do you think it's a little funny that the wife wouldn't want an autopsy done? Do you think I should be concerned that I can't get any information? I don't think they are lying about this being the only death because when I asked last month I was told that they hadn't had any deaths. Thanks — SJP (posted on April 23, 2003)
April 23, 2003
There are strict rules about releasing patient information to anyone,
especially as of April 14 with the new HIPPA(Health Information Privacy
Protection Act) regulations. This might be one of the reasons you are
having a difficult time finding out what the cause is. Most of us know
that any surgery is a risk, and being obese and having surgery is a double
risk. This might not alleviate your concers, but give you an idea why they
won't answer any questions.
— Rebecca M.
April 23, 2003
This woman may have had many reasons for requesting no autopsy be done. My
father died suddenly after a different type of surgery and he had been a
test patient for his type of cancer for so many years the docs wanted to do
an autopsy and my mother agreed. My great aunt went nuts! Some people
just don't agree with it. Some time it is due to a religious orientation
as well.
— Sharon B.
April 23, 2003
My opinion is that if the patients family thought that the doctor or
hospital was at fault that they would insist on an autopsy. Just a
thought.
— Tammy P.
April 23, 2003
I have to tell you, I had almost the same experience. But, mine was a
little further our from my surgery. My Dr. lost his 1st patient and shared
what little info that he could with our support group. I was shocked, to
say the least. We all know it can happen, but rarely do we think about it
in concrete terms. What made me decide to go on was this- I had implicit
trust in the skill, experience and ability of my surgeon. If I didn't I
never would have decided to have the surgery in the first place. Good
doctors loose patients. It happens. You have to decide how well you trust
your surgeon and his 'record' and then decide if you want to move on. I do
not think it would be realistic to say that you only want a doctor because
he has never lost a patient. There are so many other factors to consider.
Good luck to you.
— LMCLILLY
April 23, 2003
it is a scary thing, and this just adds to it doesnt it? but you know what
it does happen unfortunately, but not often, you just need to put your life
in gods and the drs hands and it will be ok.. i was the most nervous person
about that.. and im fine im 5 and a half months down 119 lbs.. and i would
do it again.. knowing the risks.. it was just that gentlemans time to go..
good luck in your journey!! ~erinn
— Erinn M.
April 23, 2003
Susan, It's normal to be a little nervous after hearing YOUR surgeon had a
recent death. One must take into consideration that many patients who have
this surgery are not in the best shape to begin with, I mean obesity does
make surgery more of a risk! No autopsy is probably due to religion
beliefs or something of that nature. I would definitely suggest you use a
doctor you are completely comfortable putting your faith into. My surgeon
has had 7 deaths out of about 3500 surgeries, I find that to be a great
stat. (probability wise, of course) What ever you decide I wish you best
of luck!!
— Sylvia E.
April 23, 2003
Hi there. First, I wouldn't be concerned that you can't get any
information. Confidentiality laws are so strict these days, a doctor could
lose his practice if he was sued for disclosing private patient
information. You can contact the board of medical examiners in your state
(call information or check the phone book government listings) to check and
see if the doctor has had complaints or action taken against him/her for
malpractice. Also, the first thought that came to my mind when you said
the wife didn't want an autopsy was maybe that the husband had so many
comorbities or health complications that she just didn't want to suffer
further by having an autopsy done. Maybe his health was so messed up that
the surgery was that risky for him. I have been told by several people, a
doctor included, that the 'majority' of people who have complications/death
from wls are people who's health was in serious jeopardy going into
surgery. If you are relatively healthy the chance for complications is
lessened. Hope this helps.
— beeda
April 23, 2003
Hi Susan, I know you must be freaking out, but you can't. My doctor has
been doing this for years, and I did ask him about how many of his patients
have died. He was very honest about all of it. We talked about it, and it
does happen, even to the best of doctors. The are chances of complications
with every surgery. The fact that we are obese, puts us even higher. The
new regulations from OSHA make it very hard to find out info on anyone,
expecially someone you don't know. Good luck with your journey.
— Sandy H.
April 23, 2003
HIPPA is certainly a factor is the surgeon, hospital, program coordinator,
etc. not being able to discuss the death with you. However, my comment
about the family not wanting an autopsy would be this - if the patient was
sick enough to die after this surgery then the family most likely already
knew what was wrong. For example they already knew if the patient had an
infection, cardiac issues, pneumonia, etc. The family probably knows
exactly why the patient died and didn't feel the need for an autopsy. In
addition it could certainly be what other posters stated such as religious
reasons, personal issues, etc. Great surgeons and great programs lose
patients. It's an unfortunate reality. If you trust your surgeon I'd say
you should proceed if you feeled comfortable. Best wishes to you.
— ronascott
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