SA:Coroner critical of surgeon after deaths

AAP General News (Australia)
08-05-2011
SA:Coroner critical of surgeon after deaths

ADELAIDE, Aug 5 AAP - A coroner has questioned the competence of a surgeon who operated
on two patients who later died.

Adelaide women Emily Leonard, 77, and Glenys Hillman, 67, died less than a year apart
in 2008 and 2009, both after surgery performed by Oseloka Onuma.

They died from the consequences of an unintended perforation of the bowel caused during
operations to correct a vaginal prolapse.

In his finding into the two deaths, South Australian deputy coroner Anthony Schapel
said he was surprised that such complex surgery could be carried out by doctors whose
qualifications and expertise were based, in large part, on self-teaching and reputation
and not objective assessment.

He said there was very little material to establish Dr Onuma's competence and skill
to safely perform the operations other than the "somewhat self-serving statements" of
the doctor himself.

"The court experiences a measure of disquiet about the manner in which these surgeries
were carried out," Mr Schapel said.

"This sense of unease is compounded by the fact that not only was Mrs Hillman dealt
a significant injury during her surgery, the surgical attempt to rectify that injury failed."

The coroner recommended the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians
and Gynaecologists consider requiring its members to demonstrate that they had the necessary
training, experience and competence to safely perform prolapse surgery.

AAP tjd/jnb/de

KEYWORD: HILLMAN

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