08.11.12
Surgeon suspended over ‘cleavage-sparing’ breast operations
A surgeon has been suspended by the General Medical Council (GMC) under suspicion of performing “unnecessary or inappropriate” breast operations on over 1,000 women in Britain.
Ian Stuart Paterson worked as a breast cancer specialist on the NHS and at private hospitals in the Midlands from 1994 until last month.
He has been suspected of misdiagnosing at least 450 women with breast cancer and performing unnecessary surgery when they were in fact healthy. Additionally, Paterson is said to have performed unconventional ‘cleavage-sparing’ mastectomies on 700 women.
This procedure is not sanctioned in the UK, as leaving breast tissue around the cleavage area for cosmetic reasons could lead to a return of the cancer and so is against national guidelines.
Thompsons solicitors, representing 100 of the women affected, said: “Many of the women operated on by Mr Paterson using this controversial technique have had to undergo further surgery to remove the excess tissue and unfortunately some have had their cancer return.”
The surgeon is expected to face a full fitness to practise hearing in the summer next year, and could also face criminal investigation following allegations that he made claims to medical insurers for unnecessary surgeries or surgeries he did not perform.
A GMC spokesperson said: “Dr Ian Paterson's registration is currently suspended, following an Interim Orders Panel meeting on 29 October 2012. This means the doctor cannot work as we investigate concerns about his fitness to practise.”
The hospitals where Paterson is known to have practised are: Heartlands hospital, Solihull hospital, Good Hope hospital (all NHS); and Spire Hospital Parkway and Spire Hospital Little Aston, both private establishments.
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