The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:
The spokesperson for Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital (PYNEH) announced a sentinel event today (December 7):
An 86-year-old female patient was arranged to have Computerised Tomography virtual colonoscopy in PYNEH today (December 7). During the examination, insufflation of gas into the colon was required with a small water-filled balloon placed at the anus to avoid leakage of gas. The patient was noted to have pneumo-retroperitoneum afterwards, indicating the possibility of rectum perforation caused by the rupture of the balloon due to accidental inflation with gas. An emergency operation to repair the rectum has been performed and the patient is now in a stable condition.
The hospital is very concerned about the case and has met with the family to give an explanation and apology. The incident has been reported to the Hospital Authority Head Office and has been categorised as a sentinel event. A root cause analysis panel will be set up to look into the incident. The report will be submitted to the Hospital Authority within eight weeks.
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