Neurosurgeon Faces Charges After Allegedly Letting Daughter Drill Patient’s Skull

A neurosurgeon in Austria has been arrested after allegedly permitting her 12-year-old daughter to drill into a patient’s skull during a surgical procedure. This incident occurred on January 13, 2024, at Graz Regional Hospital, where a 33-year-old man was admitted with a traumatic brain injury following a serious accident.

The surgery, overseen by a senior doctor and another medical professional, involved the trainee neurosurgeon, who reportedly brought her daughter into the operating theatre. As the procedure neared completion, prosecutors allege that the surgeon handed her daughter the drill, allowing her to create a hole in the patient’s skull for a probe.

Prosecutor Julia Steiner expressed serious concerns about the incident, stating that it displayed “an incredible lack of respect for the patient.” She emphasized that the potential risks associated with such actions “cannot be downplayed.” Although the operation was deemed successful, the circumstances surrounding it raised alarms within the medical community.

The defence lawyer, Bernhard Lehofer, contended that the child did not actually drill into the patient, asserting that the supervising doctor had full control over the instrument. Lehofer acknowledged that bringing the child into the surgical environment was ill-advised but claimed that the mother has faced repercussions for this decision for nearly two years.

In a separate statement, Michael Kropiunig, the lawyer representing the neurosurgeon, noted that the surgeon was unaware of her daughter’s age. He described how the girl placed her hand over his while he operated the drill, suggesting that this action should not be considered relevant to the criminal charges.

During the hearing at Graz-East District Court, both the neurosurgeon and the supervising doctor pleaded not guilty to charges of minor bodily harm. The supervising doctor explained that he had allowed the girl to assist him after obtaining permission from her mother. He recounted that he was on the phone when the young girl inquired about helping, which led to the controversial moment.

The mother stated that she had allowed her daughter to observe the procedure after the child spent the day studying at an on-site office. She clarified that she did not see the drilling occur in detail, attributing her distraction to her position in the operating room.

The head of neurosurgery at Graz Regional Hospital, Stefan Wolfsberger, was informed about the incident through an anonymous letter. He expressed disbelief upon learning of the allegations, highlighting the severity of the situation.

The case has been adjourned until December 10, 2024, as experts prepare to testify in court. The unfolding events have raised significant ethical questions about the boundaries of medical training and the responsibilities of healthcare professionals.