Over 60 children who suffered spinal surgery complications asked to return for clinical checks

"It arose out of safety concerns in 2022 in relation to the treatment of a number of patients with Spina Bifida who had spinal surgery at CHI at Temple Street. These concerns related to poor clinical outcomes of some complex spinal surgery, including a high incidence of post-operative complications and infections, and two particularly serious surgical incidents, which occurred in July and September 2022."

""We are arranging the clinical review to ensure the child is progressing as expected and benefits of surgery has been achieved," said Dr Henry. He said rather than wait for the second phase of the review "we are acting now as a precaution and in the interest of patients". "We understand this will cause concern and we will provide every support to the families." He said: "There is no immediate risk to patients.""

A 2023 HSE-ordered review examined 91 patients treated by consultant Selvadurai Nayagam. The first phase prompted invitations for 62 children to return for clinical assessment; other children were deemed not to need recall. The recalls follow safety concerns in 2022 about spinal surgeries for children with Spina Bifida at CHI Temple Street, including poor outcomes, high rates of post-operative complications and infections, and two serious surgical incidents in July and September 2022. HSE clinical director Dr Colm Henry said there is no immediate or urgent risk and that recalls are precautionary to ensure children are progressing and benefiting from surgery. A separate review examined the death of a 10-year-old; a second phase will assess systems and wider hospital issues.

Read at Irish Independent