A 59-year-old woman, Mrs Adegoke Mosekola Dorcas, died at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) on January 24, 2024, after undergoing a right adrenalectomy surgery on January 11, 2024. According to her family, she had recovered from the surgery and was set for discharge when a nurse allegedly administered vecuronium, a muscle relaxant, through an arterial line. The family claims the drug was presented as an antibiotic.
The family alleges that shortly after the injection, Mrs Adegoke developed breathing difficulties, seizures, and suffered another cardiac arrest, resulting in hypoxic brain injury. A post-mortem report listed the cause of death as hypoxic brain injury, cerebral oedema, adverse drug reaction, and bronchopneumonia. The family's lawyers have accused LASUTH of negligence and are demanding ₦500m in compensation, a formal apology, and internal investigation reports.
Mrs Adegoke's surgery was complicated by an injury to the inferior vena cava, a major vein responsible for carrying blood back to the heart, which led to significant bleeding and cardiac arrest. She was subsequently managed in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and later moved to the surgical ward. According to the family, she regained consciousness and was considered stable enough for discharge on January 16, 2024.
The family's lawyers, Wale Ogunade Chambers, have given LASUTH 30 days to respond to their demands, stating that further legal and regulatory steps would follow if their demands are not addressed. The lawyers have requested details of any actions taken concerning the healthcare workers involved. As of the latest reports, LASUTH had not publicly responded to the allegations.
The claims made by the family and their lawyers have not been established by a court. The incident has raised concerns about patient safety and hospital negligence in Nigeria. The family's demand for ₦500m in compensation is a significant amount, highlighting the severity of their allegations.
The case has sparked a heated debate about medical negligence and patient rights in Nigeria. Many are calling for greater accountability and transparency in the healthcare sector. The incident has also raised questions about the training and supervision of healthcare workers in Nigerian hospitals.
The family's ordeal has highlighted the need for improved patient care and safety measures in Nigerian hospitals. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of verifying medication and dosages before administration. Key points include:
Key points
- The family of a 59-year-old woman is demanding ₦500m from LASUTH over her death.
- The woman died after a nurse allegedly administered vecuronium, a muscle relaxant, through an arterial line.
- The family's lawyers have accused LASUTH of negligence and are seeking compensation and an apology.
