Renowned Bariatric Surgeon Suspended for 3 Months After Patient Dies Post-Surgery in Kaohsiung

A woman who underwent bariatric surgery at E-Da Dachang Hospital in Kaohsiung passed away three days later due to severe complications after experiencing massive bleeding during the procedure. Dr. Sung Tien-chou, the hospital's surgical vice superintendent, has been suspended from clinical duties for three months pending an investigation. The hospital has formed a special committee to review the medical procedures. The patient's daughter claimed her mother lost nearly 10,000 cc of blood before the gastric bypass even began. Dr. Sung responded that the patient, with a BMI of 66, was at extreme risk, and the team had to switch to an open surgery upon discovering the bleeding. He had also faced disciplinary action last year for over-treatment.