A medical tribunal in the UK has concluded that a doctor is unfit to practice following a botched surgery that nearly resulted in a patient’s death. Dr. Yasser Adly Abdel Rahman was found responsible for serious surgical errors during an emergency procedure at Royal Oldham Hospital in Greater Manchester, where he created a life-threatening condition known as a “closed loop” digestive system.
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The incident occurred on 25 August 2020, when Dr. Rahman performed surgery that deviated significantly from standard medical practices. The tribunal, which assesses the eligibility of medical professionals to continue their practice, labelled Rahman’s approach as “bizarre” and not suitable for sustaining life. His mismanagement included connecting the end of the small intestine directly back to the stomach, causing digestive complications that could have proven fatal.

In the days following the surgery, the patient, referred to as Patient A in official documents, experienced significant distress. Reports indicate that the individual was in excruciating pain, frequently vomited, and showed an alarming absence of bowel movements. As the patient’s condition worsened, documentation from the tribunal highlights that on 4 September, there was an indication of a “pain crisis”.

Despite the alarming symptoms, the tribunal revealed that Dr. Rahman appeared unfazed by Patient A’s deterioration. He continued to oversee the patient’s care independently, failing to seek assistance or acknowledge the need for further intervention. Concerns from nursing staff prompted an eventual consultation with another medical consultant, but by this time, critical delays had occurred.
On 15 September, a CT scan was performed, and it became evident to an attending doctor that the surgical notes provided by Dr. Rahman did not align with the patient’s condition. This discovery led to a corrective procedure, during which the second doctor explained the gravity of Rahman’s surgical mistake. Due to the ill-fated operation, the contents of the bowel were stuck in a loop, effectively forcing them back into the stomach, a situation that was dangerously incompatible with survival.
Following the tribunal’s thorough examination, it concluded that had the corrective surgery not taken place, Patient A would likely have died from the complications caused by Dr. Rahman’s surgical errors. This revelation reinforced the tribunal’s decision to remove Dr. Rahman from the Medical Register, thereby permanently barring him from practising medicine in the UK.
Dr. Rahman, however, vehemently rejected the tribunal’s findings, describing the investigation as a “witch hunt”. He maintained that he did not make a mistake during the procedure and insisted that the circumstances surrounding Patient A’s care were misunderstood. However, the tribunal found that he had failed to respond effectively to the patient’s worsening condition, resulting in further complications and suffering.
The decision to revoke Dr. Rahman’s medical licence has drawn attention to the importance of accountability within the healthcare system. The case emphasises that medical practitioners must adhere strictly to established surgical protocols to safeguard patient wellbeing.
As of now, attempts to obtain a statement from Royal Oldham Hospital regarding this incident have not yielded any responses. The case serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences when medical professionals do not uphold the standards of practice expected within the profession.
