SEE, SNAP, SEND

SEE, SNAP, SEND
Recent SixPix From Viewers

°

Homepage / Money
Text Size

Wrong Surgery Performed On Woman As Team Watches

POSTED: Thursday, November 4, 2004
UPDATED: 6:49 am EST November 8, 2004

A surgical team watched as a doctor performed the wrong surgery on a woman in an operating room of Halifax Medical Center's same-day surgical unit, according to Local 6 News.

On Aug. 26, Toni Braun was supposed to have a small pre-cancerous mass removed from her left breast.

However, when she awoke, she found a bandage covering a scar roughly 6 inches above the breast.

X-rays confirmed that during the procedure, a surgeon's scalpel came very close to the lead wires in Braun's pacemaker, according to the report.

"I can't comprehend why they (surgical team) would let him (surgeon) make the mistake and not speak up and say 'wait a minute, shouldn't that be the breast?'" Braun said.

Photos after the operation show faded black ink markings on Braun's skin where she was told to draw an arrow to indicate the location of the mass prior to surgery.

"The nurse on the same-day surgery gave me a marker to mark the area," Braun said. "I did as I was instructed and I marked the area with the nurse standing there."

In Braun's operative report obtained by Local 6 News, the surgeon, Dr. Joseph Sinex explained the mistake: "There was noticeable black marking overlying this particular upper scar which was the erroneous one." Sinex said. "He also said "no one objected to this being the appropriate site."

Halifax Hospital's communications chief John Evans agreed to talk about the mistake that "no one in the operating room objected to."

WKMG reporter Holfeld said: "Somebody should have said wait a minute it Doc."

"Whoa, whoa, you've said if we were all in there," Evans said. "That's presupposing that we all know what it is. The operating staff wasn't with the doctor when the doctor talked to the patient. The OR staff wasn't with the doctor when he decided what site he was going to use."

Evans said the hospital launched an internal investigation and reported its findings to the state.

Confusion in the marking on Braun is one possible conclusion, Local 6 News reported.

Holfeld asked: "Based on the hospital's internal investigation are you sure there were no post operation side effects, no indication of injury to her in anyway?"

"No, there was no damage that we're aware of and that the record reflects," Evans said.

Evans said the correct surgery was performed the following day without incident.

However, Braun is still angry because she had to go through the ordeal of a second surgery, Local 6 News reported.

Since returning to work for the city of Daytona, Braun has noticed a constant pain and numbness in her left arm.

Veteran malpractice attorney Kym Bouck said under Florida law, malpractice cases face two tests: real proof of negligence and a determination of whether it caused permanent injury.

"Quite clearly I think the first prong we can meet -- that there is negligent care here," Bouck said. "And the question is did the negligent care cause her permanent injury."

Although Braun is undergoing therapy, there is no proof of permanent injury linked to the surgery. She is still considering legal options.

Halifax Hospital has an outstanding record and has no pattern of mistakes in the operating room.

We offered Dr. Joseph Sinex an opportunity to respond, but he said he'll let the record speak for itself.

Watch Local 6 News for more on this story.

Links We Like

Sponsored Content
If you have aspirations of becoming a millionaire, check out these five habits that may be worth emulating. More

To get the most out of your remodel, check out these 10 home updates that have the biggest payoffs when it comes time to sell your home. More

Do you have concerns about the recommended vaccines for your child? Get the facts to clear up any confusion about vaccinations. More

If you're looking to save on your next new vehicle, a low sticker price is just one aspect. Consider all the costs and make the right decision. More

Most Popular

Marketplace

  • AutoClick to Expand

  • JobsClick to Expand

    • 7 Killer Cover Letter Mistakes

      Don’t ruin your chances of landing that new job by making easy to correct mistakes on your cover letter.

    • Why Having Fun At Work Matters

      If people are having fun, they’re going to work harder, stay longer, maintain their composure in a crisis and take better care of the organization.

    • Ten Tips To Boost Your Interview IQ

      Interviewing is a learned skill, and there are no second chances to make a great first impression. So study these 10 strategies to enhance your interview IQ.

    • Learn How To Deal With Pay Cuts

      If you’re about to take a pay cut, find out how you can go about dealing with it and stay proactive about your salary.

  • WomenClick to Expand

    • Healthy Living In Your 40s

      Your guide to looking and feeling your best.

    • Manage Stress, Find Balance

      The idea of living a balanced life may seem like an oxymoron. Yet working toward balance and self-care is key to feeling in control and more joyful at home and work.

    • Weight & Exercise: The Right Mix

      Being healthy is related to how well you take care of yourself. But it’s never too late! A woman can learn new, healthy habits at any age.

  • InsuranceClick to Expand

    • Auto Insurance Quotes

      Simply enter your zip code and get great deals on your car insurance from the top companies. Click here and start saving today!

    • Health Insurance Quotes

      No matter where you live, you shouldn’t have to pay too much for health insurance. Your zip code is all you need and we’ll do the rest to find you great insurance rates.

    • Home Insurance Quotes

      Your home is your most valuable asset. So make sure you have coverage that fits your needs and doesn’t break the bank.

    • Life Insurance Quotes

      What would happen to your family if you were suddenly gone? Don’t leave their future to chance and find top quality life insurance before it’s too late.

    • Business Insurance Quotes

      Don’t take chances when it comes to insuring your business. To get the best rates from top companies in your area just enter your zip code.

  • HomesClick to Expand

Sponsored Links