Knowing nothing about his hepatitis C infection, a German anesthesiologist infected dozens of patients with liver inflammation. At least 51 people fell ill in the operating room of the Donau-Ries-Klinik in Donauwörth in northern Swabia. The doctor was remorseful in court: “I am very sorry,” said the 60-year-old at the beginning of the trial at the Augsburg regional court.
The case came to light in late 2018. The 60-year-old does not deny the infection transmitted during surgery, but said: “Ultimately, I can’t explain how it happened.” Initially, the health department based on individual cases, later 1700 patients were finally asked to undergo a hepatitis C test. In 60 of them, the authority saw evidence of transfer, but not all cases are now part of the criminal proceedings.
Opiates were diverted to work
How the transfer came about is still unclear in detail. The defendant, who has since returned his medical license and is retired, told the court that he had suffered from mental health problems and a bowel disorder for almost his entire medical career. In order to continue working despite his illness, he diverted opioids intended for the operating room and injected them himself. A nurse once caught the man in the operating room with a needle in his arm.
The path of transmission is a mystery to researchers
The court now wants to clarify how the anesthesiologist’s blood could enter the patient’s body. The 60-year-old emphasized that he had always separated the cutlery and adhered to the hygiene regulations. He denied any deliberate infection of the patients. “That’s not the case,” he said. In the end, only 50 of the 1,700 patients were transferred, he said. According to the hospital’s insurance company, it has now been agreed to pay most of those affected compensation for pain and suffering.
Before the trial, there were talks between judges, prosecutors and lawyers about a possible sentence. The man’s lawyers came up with a suspended sentence, but the public prosecutor ruled that out. Prosecutors are more likely to face several years in prison for aggravated assault and other crimes, such as misappropriation of the clinic’s medications. The criminal court now wants to hear numerous witnesses in a twelve-day trial, and a verdict could be reached in mid-July.
Hepatitis C is a disease that often goes unnoticed, but can also have serious long-term consequences. According to the German Liver Aid, the infection clears up on its own within six months in 20 to 50 percent of cases. In the other cases, the liver inflammation becomes chronic and remains in the body. After 20 to 30 years, cirrhosis and liver cancer may develop in some people. “However, thanks to new medicines, hepatitis C can almost always be cured today,” emphasizes the self-help association.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
