An Austrian neurosurgeon is facing investigation for allegedly allowing her 13-year-old daughter to participate in a brain surgery, including drilling a hole into a patient’s skull.
The incident occurred in January when a 33-year-old man was admitted to the University Hospital Graz following a head injury. The neurosurgeon on duty, whose name remains undisclosed, reportedly allowed her daughter to observe and even perform parts of the procedure.
Despite the shocking revelation, the operation was successful, and the patient was able to recover. However, an anonymous complaint to the public prosecutor’s office in July brought the incident to light.
The hospital has confirmed that the surgeon and a senior surgeon involved in the procedure have been temporarily suspended.
They are suspected of causing serious bodily harm, while the five-member hospital staff present during the operation are being investigated for failure to prevent the illegal act.
The patient, whose skull was drilled into by the 13-year-old girl, is preparing to sue the hospital. His lawyer, Peter Freiberger, expressed shock and disbelief at the incident, stating that his client was unaware of the minor’s involvement until he heard about it in the press.
“You lie there, unwilling, unconscious, and become a guinea pig. There’s probably no other way to put it… that’s not possible. You can’t do that,” Mr. Freiberger said. He criticized the hospital’s lack of contact, explanation, or apology, deeming it undignified.
Mr. Freiberger is seeking compensation for his client’s pain and suffering, claiming that despite the successful surgery, the patient has been unable to work.
While the University Hospital Graz has expressed regret and apologized for the incident, they have stated that there is currently no concrete evidence that the daughter herself took part in the operation. The institution is working to fully clarify the matter.
