Patient wrong-footed by surgeon - twice

A doctor who did not tell his left from his right has cost a Pretoria metro police officer his career.

When Kobus Swanepoel was diagnosed with cartilage deterioration in his right ankle, a simple operation was required to remedy the problem.

"The doctor told me that the operation to repair my ankle was a simple procedure, which is easily performed," said Swanepoel.

Swanepoel, then a member of the Tshwane metro police task team used for high-speed motorcycle escorts, was admitted to Pretoria East Hospital in July last year.

"Everything was in order. I signed consent for the operation on my right foot and went to theatre," he said.

The attending surgeon, Dr André de Villiers, operated on Swanepoel's left foot, with severe consequences for the police officer's career.

"When he was informed he was operating on the wrong foot, he completed the operation and then proceeded to repair my right foot," Swanepoel explained, saying that afterwards the doctor simply admitted having made a mistake.

He now required corrective surgery to repair his left foot.

When Swanepoel, who was later transferred from active duty to a desk job, was offered R200 000 in compensation by De Villiers, he declined.

"Despite having a medical aid, I am still liable for far more than I was offered as a result of a doctor's mistake," he said.

Further attempts by Swanepoel to hold De Villiers liable were thwarted late last year when De Villiers emigrated to Britain.

A spokesperson for Pretoria East hospital, Evelyn Best, confirmed this.

"Dr De Villiers was in private practice and had a suite at the hospital. He closed his practice and emigrated last year," she said.

Swanepoel referred the matter to the Health Professions Council of South Africa.

Council spokesperson Phepela Makgoke said a complaint of malpractice had been lodged against De Villiers.

"A complaint was lodged, but De Villiers's emigration before investigations could take place makes the matter difficult to resolve," he said.

Swanepoel is pursuing legal advice on possible future litigation.