Tseung Kwan O Hospital has launched a probe into the death of an 85-year-old patient after surgery.

According to the Hospital Authority, the patient, who had colon cancer, underwent a transverse colostomy on February 7 to relieve an intestinal obstruction.

The procedure involves creating a surgical opening, known as a stoma, in the abdomen to allow waste to leave the body.

The stoma was intended to be placed in the transverse colon.

Following the surgery, the patient was admitted to the intensive care unit before being transferred to a general surgical ward.

On February 16, she was moved to Haven of Hope Hospital for rehabilitation, where her vital signs remained stable.

However, medical staff noted that the stoma continued to produce a relatively high output.

On March 1, the patient began experiencing abdominal pain, low blood pressure and a rapid heartbeat.

She was transferred back to the surgical ward at Tseung Kwan O Hospital the following day for further treatment.

An emergency CT scan conducted on March 3 revealed that the stoma was located in the stomach, rather than the intended position in the transverse colon.

Hospital officials reported that the patient then developed severe dehydration and supraventricular tachycardia, a condition characterised by a sudden acceleration in heart rate.

The patient required cardioversion and medication before being transferred back to the intensive care unit.

As her condition worsened, medical staff consulted with her family and agreed not to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

The patient passed away that evening from multiple organ failure.

The hospital expressed deep sorrow over the incident and confirmed that staff have already met the patient's family to offer a detailed explanation and an apology.

The hospital said it has also implemented immediate measures to enhance relevant surgical training and reminded medical staff to maintain vigilant postoperative monitoring.

A root-cause analysis panel will conduct a thorough investigation, with a comprehensive report and improvement recommendations expected within eight weeks.

The hospital has pledged to maintain close communication with the family and provide necessary support.

The case has also been referred to the coroner for follow-up.


Edited by Aaron Tam