Chinese hospital under investigation after wrong-side brain surgery leaves patient disabled
A man in China’s Inner Mongolia underwent brain surgery after suffering a cerebral haemorrhage, but doctors allegedly operated on the wrong side of his brain before correcting the mistake. The incident has left him bedridden with serious complications and prompted his family to lodge a formal complaint with health authorities.
- Doctors allegedly performed surgery on the wrong side of a patient’s brain before realising the mistake.
- The patient suffered long-term complications and remains bedridden.
- The family has filed a complaint with health authorities after compensation talks stalled.
CHINA: According to local reports, a man surnamed Wang from Inner Mongolia was admitted to Baotou Central Hospital on 31 January 2023, after a fall caused bleeding in the right side of his brain.
A CT scan showed extensive haemorrhaging in the right basal ganglia, and doctors recommended immediate surgery. Wang’s wife, surnamed Pan, signed the consent form before he was sent into the operating theatre.
Wrong-Side Surgery Performed
Based on surgical records provided by Pan, doctors first carried out a craniotomy on the left frontal-temporal region after the patient was anaesthetised.
After removing a small amount of blood clot, medical staff reportedly realised they had operated on the wrong side. The incision was then closed and repositioned before surgeons proceeded to perform the correct operation on the right side of the brain to remove the haematoma.
The surgical documents were signed by the attending doctor and stamped with the hospital’s official seal.
Post-Surgery Complications
Following the operation, Wang reportedly developed multiple complications, including paralysis on his left side, speech impairment and an ear infection.
He has since remained bedridden and requires long-term care.
Compensation Dispute
Pan said the hospital initially promised to cover medical expenses and caregiver costs, amounting to nearly 18,000 yuan per month (approximately US$2580).
However, she claimed that the hospital stopped making payments from January this year.
Based on legal advice, Pan demanded compensation of 3 million yuan (approximately US$430,617), but the hospital rejected the request.
Family Files Formal Complaint
Pan said her own illness has since relapsed, leaving the family in severe financial difficulty.
She has filed a complaint with the Baotou Municipal Health Commission, demanding a formal determination of responsibility, accountability for those involved, and continued compensation from the hospital.
Hospital Response and Ongoing Investigation
Local reporters attempted multiple times to contact Baotou Central Hospital but received no response.
In earlier documents, the hospital stated that Wang had already suffered left-side paralysis before surgery due to the right-brain haemorrhage, and that the primary goal of the operation was to save his life.
The hospital claimed the mistaken left-side incision did not affect the patient’s survival or level of consciousness.
An official from the Medical Administration Division of the Baotou Health Commission said the case involves multiple departments and is currently under investigation.
