Disgraced Surgeon’s Former Patient Speaks Out for the First Time
James Wood, a 19-year-old who endured severe complications from surgeries performed at Great Ormond Street Hospital, is speaking out for the first time. He was born with Popliteal Pterygium Syndrome, a condition marked by skin webbing that affects joint mobility. Over his lifetime, James has faced numerous hospital visits and surgical interventions.
Botched Surgeries Under Yaser Jabbar
At the age of 12, James underwent two botched procedures by orthopedic surgeon Yaser Jabbar, who has been widely criticized in an internal review. The surgeries, taking place in April 2019, aimed to correct issues in his left leg. However, they resulted in severe harm due to neglectful surgical practices.
Shortly after the first procedure, James experienced unbearable pain. After investigations, it was revealed that a pin used to secure a frame on his leg had damaged his femoral artery. James recalled, “I remember after the surgery, I felt like a husk of a person. Like, I felt hollow.”
Impact of the Review
The Great Ormond Street Hospital is set to release a comprehensive report evaluating Mr. Jabbar’s treatment of his patients. James is among 789 individuals whose care is being reviewed. The assessment cites “poor surgical skill” and a lack of consideration for alternative treatments as major issues in Mr. Jabbar’s approach.
- Date of First Surgery: April 2019
- Number of Patients Reviewed: 789
- Surgery Dates: 2017-2022
Seeking Justice
James and other affected families express concerns that the impending report may not fully address their grievances. They are contemplating reporting their cases to the Metropolitan Police. James emphasized the need for accountability, stating, “He should be held to justice for what he’s done.”
Following the scandal, the hospital’s chief executive has issued letters of apology to the impacted families. Meanwhile, Yaser Jabbar, who no longer holds a medical license in the UK and is now residing abroad, declined to comment due to ongoing investigations.
Future Considerations
James acknowledges that further procedures are necessary but is hesitant after his traumatic experiences. He credits his mother for her unwavering support during his recovery. For now, James feels empowered to share his story, shedding light on an issue that has affected numerous patients and gained widespread media attention.
As the report from the internal review is anticipated, both James and his family hope for meaningful change in the medical system to prevent further incidents of this nature.
