A prominent US gynaecologist has been fined after performing a laparoscopic hysterectomy on a patient he did not know was pregnant.
According to reports, the patient insisted that she was “absolutely not pregnant”, and Dr Foster failed to follow up her urine test with either a blood test or an ultrasound before operating.
This week, the state Medical Examining Board fined Dr Foster $5,000 for carrying out the procedure – which took place in January 2011 – without the appropriate checks.
Dr Foster was investigated following the incident, and he also completed a course to maintain his medical certification. He did not contest the punishment handed down by the Board this week.
Appearing before the Board, attorney Madonna Sacco said: “Dr Foster had a long discussion with the patient…She represented that ‘I am absolutely not pregnant’. We’re not blaming her. This was a woman who wanted to move forward with the procedure.”
She added that Dr Foster remains a member ‘in good standing’ on the hospital staff following the incident.
