A female neurosurgeon was taken into custody for allegedly allowing her 12-year-old daughter to assist in drilling a hole in a patient’s skull during a surgical procedure at Graz Regional Hospital in Austria on January 13, 2024. The patient, a 33-year-old man with a traumatic brain injury from an accident, underwent the operation conducted by a senior physician and an additional doctor, with the trainee neurosurgeon, accompanied by her daughter, assisting.
According to prosecutors, as the surgery neared completion, the neurosurgeon reportedly gave her daughter the drill to create a hole for the probe. It was claimed that the surgeon proudly mentioned that her daughter had performed her first gynecological hysterectomy. The incident came to light following several anonymous complaints. While the surgery itself was successful, the prosecutor highlighted the lack of respect for the patient, emphasizing the potential danger of the situation.
In defense, the lawyer for the neurosurgeon stated that the girl did not actually operate the drill, as the overseeing doctor maintained control of the instrument. The lawyer acknowledged that bringing the daughter into the operating room was not advisable, noting that the surgeon has faced consequences for nearly two years.
The neurosurgeon and the doctor appeared in court and pleaded not guilty to charges of minor bodily harm. The doctor explained that the colleague who left the theater at the end of the surgery was asked by the child if she could assist. He claimed to have obtained the mother’s consent before allowing the daughter to place her hand over his as he guided the drill.
The mother defended herself by stating that her daughter requested to observe the surgery after spending the day studying in an office on-site. She admitted to allowing her daughter to watch but claimed she was not closely monitoring the moment the drilling occurred. In response to questions about pressuring her colleague to remain silent, she mentioned wanting to protect him. The head of neurosurgery at the hospital was informed of the incident through an anonymous letter and expressed disbelief.
The case has been postponed until December 10 to allow experts to provide testimony in court.