Kin protest as patient dies

Diabetic retinopathy surgery was on

The relatives of 35year-old P Ravi, a professional photographer from Karimnagar who died at the Pushpagiri Eye Hospital on Wednesday, have alleged that it was an overdose of anaesthesia that caused the death. P Ravi was undergoing an operation for diabetic retinopathy and died on the operating table.

Shocked that an eye operation could cause death, the family has complained to the Aarogyasri Healthcare Trust. The hospital authorities say that Ravi was suffering from juvenile diabetes which was not treated properly.

Dr K Vishwanath, senior eye surgeon at the hospital, said, “Ravi has been visiting us since October and was suffering from uncontrolled diabetes which was being treated. He was clearly told that his diabetes has to be controlled as it was causing a lot of damage to his body. Due to severe diabetic retinopathy his operation was scheduled on Wednesday as he could not see properly. But when he was taken to the operation theatre, he complained of restlessness. Anaesthesia was not administered due to this complaint and the cardiology team was called in. He suffered a sudden heart attack on the table and despite trying for 45 minutes, didn’t revive.”

Dr P Nandkumar Reddy, former superintendent of Sarojini Devi Eye Hospital, said that in cases of juvenile diabetes, “extra care has to be taken as not only an eye-surgeon but a team of physicians has to evaluate the patient before opting for surgery. The major criterion is to ensure that the diabetes is in control. But complications can’t be ruled out.”

Dr Manoj Chandra Mathur, senior ophthalmologist, said, “Often the stage of diabetic retinopathy makes it important to carry out the surgery so that the vision is saved. It is local anaesthesia and the decision usually is taken to save the sight.”

But P Veerababu, a relative who had come along with Ravi’s parents, said that “the doctors told us to come for surgery as his eyes were badly affected and he will lose sight. It is negligence on their part and we want Aarogyasri department to investigate.”

The angry relatives refused to take charge of the body and created a hue and cry outside the hospital.

Senior Aarogyasri officials stated that they have got all the documents from the hospital and are looking into the details.