An obesity specialist has voiced a stern caution against the dangers related to individuals seeking gastric operations overseas, following inquests into the deaths of two women who underwent such procedures in Turkish medical facilities. Dr. Colm O’Boyle, a bariatric surgery consultant at Bons Secours Hospital in Cork, expressed deep alarm along with other experts in the sector surrounding an increasing number of negative outcomes associated with foreign gastric operations.
Dr. O’Boyle noted that international medical interventions involve numerous risks, particularly as many medical tourism destinations are non-English speaking nations and the lure of surgery is powered by affordable rates and reduced wait times. He pointed out that the selection process for these surgeries often hinges on capacity to pay rather than clinical suitability, with the surgical procedure often taking precedence over apt preoperative selection, preparatory work, and post-operative follow-up care.
Speaking at Cork City Coroner’s Court, where Philip Comyn, the coroner, conducted inquests into the fatalities of Estelita Hamelin, 46, from Fermoy and Pamela Canty, 53, from Cork city, who both died following gastric procedures in Turkish hospitals in 2021 and 2022 respectively, Dr. O’Boyle emphasised these concerns.
Mr. Comyn highlighted the inherent dangers of seeking gastric operations abroad, underscoring possible issues with insufficient preoperative consultation and post-operative care, which sometimes includes premature release, at certain medical facilities.
He stated that while the decision ultimately lies with the individual, it’s crucial that the public be informed of the risks associated with pursuing such surgeries overseas. He also added the importance of discussing these risks with the appropriate medical professionals.
In light of these events, Mr. Comyn concluded a verdict of fatal medical error in Ms. Canty’s case – her death occurred in Cork a week following her surgery in Izmir. However, an open verdict was returned for Ms. Hamelin due to the Turkish hospital’s failure to furnish the necessary medical records following her death after a surgical bleeding incident.