Surgeon engraves his initials in the organs during surgery

British physician is in court in Birmingham

In Birmingham (UK), a unique case is currently being negotiated: A British surgeon has left his initials on their organs in at least two patients during an operation. His abbreviation "SB" had engraved the physician with an argon laser in the liver of those affected. The case was exposed when one of the victims had to undergo another surgery.

Colleague discovers the initials on subsequent intervention

The story sounds unbelievable: while his patients were under anesthetic, a British medical doctor laser engraved his initials on their organs. According to the British daily The Guardian, 53-year-old Simon Bramhall has admitted in court that in two instances he has labeled his transplanted livers with the abbreviation "SB". The doctor was unmasked when a colleague discovered the letters as part of a follow-up operation to one of the victims.

A 53-year-old physician laser-signed the patient's organs in at least two liver transplants. (Image: AntonioDiaz / fotolia.com)

No effect on organ function

The renowned liver, spleen and pancreatic surgeon, according to the newspaper, used an argon laser for the engraving, which is normally used to prevent bleeding during surgery. In how many cases the doctor has actually left his initials remains unclear. Because the laser markers have no adverse effects on organ function and usually disappear automatically, informs the sheet.

Defendant dismisses allegation of assault

At a hearing before the Birmingham court, Simon Bramhall admitted to having his abbreviations engraved on his organs during two liver transplants in February and August 2013. He acted unethically and criminally, admitted the accused - but in the charge of assault he pleaded "not guilty".

The physician was suspended from his post at Birmingham Queen Elizabeth Hospital in 2013 after a colleague discovered the initials "SB" in a follow-up operation on the liver of one of the victims. According to prosecutor Tony Badenoch, this is an unprecedented case. The actions required skill and concentration and were conducted in the presence of colleagues, Badenoch said, according to the Guardian.

Trust of patients abused

As British Revenue Attorney Elizabeth Reid said, Bramhall's actions would be a misuse of the trust the patients put in him. "It was a deliberate use of unlawful force on a patient during anesthesia. His actions to mark the livers of these patients in a completely unnecessary way were deliberate and deliberate actions on his part, "says Reid.

The court found the surgeon guilty, but the verdict will not be pronounced until January 12, 2018. (No)