Man dies after undergoing hair transplant in India and 'suffering allergic reaction'
An Indian man has died after reportedly suffering an allergic reaction during a hair transplant.
Shrawan Kumar Choudhary underwent the procedure at a private clinic in Mumbai, according to local reports. The 43- year- old died the day after the 12-hour procedure.
Mr Choudhary, who allegedly had not told his family about the procedure, paid 500,000 Indian rupees for the hair transplant. The doctor who treated him told police he asked for 9,000 grafts in one sitting - three times more than recommended.
It is unclear whether Dr Vikas Halwai, the dermatologist who treated Mr Choudhary, agreed to the request. However, Dr Halwai did admit to police that Mr Choudhary began to develop his complications after 3,700 grafts.
The hair transplant began last Thursday evening, after Mr Choudhary underwent checks. By 2.30 am on Friday, he started to suffer from neck pain. Dr Halwai claimed he dished out painkillers and antibiotics. Mr Choudhary was then whisked away to hospital, when he began having breathing difficulties. He died on Saturday.
Mr Choudhary's death has been listed as accidental by the police, however a probe has been launched. Doctors have said a severe allergic reaction - an anaphylactic shock - is the most likely explanation.
The Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons in India claimed only a 'few' hair transplant patients will suffer breathing difficulties. A spokesperson for the body said: 'Patients often try to pressure doctors to cover large areas in one sitting. We do not plan more than 2,500- 3,000 grafts in one sitting and make sure it is completed in 6-8 hours. Prolonged time and extended anaesthesia can compound problems.'
The Association of Hair Restoration Surgeons, India revealed Dr Halwai had been doing transplants for the last eight years. Dr Kapil Bhargava, consultant dermatologist and British Skin Foundation spokesperson, said: 'This is an exceptional case. The cause of his death needs to be investigated to determine if it is related to the procedure, the medications given or another cause e.g. a pre- existing condition exacerbated by the stress of a prolonged procedure. All surgical procedures, including cosmetic procedures, carry risks and further risks may arise when treating complications.'