'Extremely distressing': Thousands of colonoscopies on NSW-Victoria border potentially 'incomplete'
Thousands of colonoscopy patients may have to undergo another invasive procedure after those performed by a surgeon in the Albury-Wodonga region were found to be potentially incomplete, impacting the "accuracy of diagnosis".
About 2000 patients who had the procedure either performed or supervised by Dr Liu-Ming Schmidt between 2018 and 2022 have been contacted after Safer Care Victoria (SCV) launched an investigation.
Colonoscopies are performed to examine the inside of the bowel to check for signs of disease, with a legal expert claiming the investigation would be "extremely distressing" for those impacted.
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About 2000 patients who had the procedure either performed or supervised by Dr Liu-Ming Schmid Supplied
"Many patients request colonoscopies to check for signs of cancer, but clearly these checks were inadequate," Shine Lawyers medical negligence practice leader Daniel Opare said.
"That raises the possibility of cancer being missed and patients going about their lives unaware of that risk to their health."
SCV said health authorities are working with Albury Wodonga Private Hospital and Insight Private Hospital, based on the New South Wales and Victorian border, but that most cases were "low risk".
"However to ensure patient safety, many affected patients will need to undergo a repeat colonoscopy as a precautionary measure," SCV said in a statement.
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About 2,000 colonoscopies performed or supervised by one surgeon in the Albury-Wodonga region have been found to be incomplete. Nine
Opare said there may be serious implications for the affected patients.
"Missed or delayed cancer diagnoses are very serious. In some cases, it's the difference between life and death," the lawyer said.
"You have to wonder how these repeated errors were continually missed in such a large number of procedures.
"I would encourage anyone who underwent a colonoscopy performed or supervised by this surgeon to seek medical attention.
"If they are subsequently diagnosed with cancer, they should also seek independent legal advice as they may be entitled to compensation."
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