Junior doctor said he was 'out of his depth' when he operated on pregnant woman who died

[imagine]

You mean he couldn't tell the difference between an overy and an appendix

[Doc Alan]

You mean he couldn't tell the difference between an ovary and an appendix

Correct.

There was presumably severe inflammation around the appendix, in addition to bleeding, which could also have involved nearby structures like the right ovary and ( fallopian ) tube.

Signs / symptoms of appendicitis, and " normal / textbook " anatomy, are changed in pregnancy. There are MANY possible causes of severe abdominal pain in pregnancy, which may be hard to diagnose. Local peritonitis ( inflammation ) and bleeding would have contributed to that difficulty by obscuring what was seen at operation.

I'm not making excuses, just explaining what the media have told us.

I also didn't choose to raise the topic.

[Arthur Little]

I also didn't choose to raise the topic.

, Alan ... it wasn't your choice to raise the topic ... nonetheless, we're so very, very fortunate in being able to rely upon someone of your calibre and expertise to *set the record straight for those who appear all too keen to lambast our NHS - an organisation which - though not infallible - has more than earned its reputation worldwide for excellence ... and for *that, your fellow members are extremely grateful.

[imagine]

Correct.

There was presumably severe inflammation around the appendix, in addition to bleeding, which could also have involved nearby structures like the right ovary and ( fallopian ) tube.

Signs / symptoms of appendicitis, and " normal / textbook " anatomy, are changed in pregnancy. There are MANY possible causes of severe abdominal pain in pregnancy, which may be hard to diagnose. Local peritonitis ( inflammation ) and bleeding would have contributed to that difficulty by obscuring what was seen at operation.

I'm not making excuses, just explaining what the media have told us.

I also didn't choose to raise the topic.

Ah I see, thanks Doc Alan.

[joebloggs]

you mean he couldn't tell the difference between an overy and an appendix

Giving evidence, the medic added: 'At that time I felt I was capable to do this operation having done so many appendectomies, both supervised and unsupervised - that it's within my capabilities.

'Clearly this is not the case because I didn't have enough experience to operate on a pregnant woman.'

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/arti...#ixzz2zsBEVYSe