Wrong Breast Removed in IPS Surgery; Health Superintendency Cites 'Grave Failures'

A patient undergoing cancer treatment at Paraguay's IPS Hospital Ingavi had the wrong breast surgically removed, a grave error confirmed by the Superintendency of Health. The incident, which occurred in March, has led to an official investigation into serious lapses in surgical protocols.

Dr. Roberto Melgarejo, head of the Superintendency of Health, stated that the audit found significant deviations from established surgical procedures. Despite correct diagnostic indications for the surgery, medical staff proceeded with the removal of the incorrect breast. The findings have been shared with the patient, legal representatives, the IPS, and the Ministry of Public Health.

Adding to the concern, the audit also uncovered evidence of "manipulation" within the hospital's computer system following the procedure. This suggests an attempt to alter the patient's digital medical history, highlighting vulnerabilities in the hospital's IT infrastructure. Dr. Melgarejo expressed particular alarm that medical personnel involved either failed to apply or claimed ignorance of the mandatory Safe Surgery Protocol.

Key steps, such as the "surgical pause", a final verification by the surgical chief before the operation, were reportedly omitted. The Superintendency's report details numerous failures in adhering to safety guidelines, raising serious questions about patient care standards at the facility.