Wrong breast removed: IPS submits defense as final report awaits

A serious surgical error has led to a patient having the wrong breast removed at Hospital Ingavi, sparking an investigation into alleged medical negligence.

The Institute of Social Security (IPS) has submitted its defense to the Superintendency of Health, which is expected to release a final report within 10 days. This report will confirm responsibilities in the incident that occurred on March 27.

A preliminary report, leaked to the press, detailed a series of basic procedural failures. These included the omission of "safe surgery" protocols, which require verification of patient identity, surgical site, and procedure. The report also noted a failure to properly mark the breast for removal, leading to the healthy breast being operated on. Additionally, the medical team allegedly did not thoroughly review the patient's clinical records or prior imaging studies, which clearly identified the affected breast.

The preliminary findings described the event as an avoidable failure constituting a serious injury to the patient. The investigation is now moving towards its decisive stage, with the final report expected to be delivered to the family, who may use it as evidence in a criminal complaint.