Unnecessary Bowel Mesh Operations

The BBC has published an article relating to a surgeon, Mr Tony Dixon, who was dismissed in 2019 following unnecessary mesh bowel operations at Spire private hospital.

Following many complaints from patients, and despite a review commissioned and carried out by North Bristol NHS Trust published in May last year, it is reported that the affected patients are still waiting to hear from Spire.

It is estimated there are over 200 patients affected by the surgery carried out by Mr Dixon. The procedure he pioneered used artificial mesh to laparoscopically lift prolapsed bowels, which can often occur due to childbirth, but not always. The technique was called laparoscopic ventral mesh rectopexy (LVMR).

Sadly, many patients reported severe pain following mesh repair surgery. The mesh can become embedded into the bowel and surrounding structures and can be impossible to remove, causing constant pain to the patient. Some patients reported that the use of the mesh caused not only physical issues associated with the pain but also mental health problems, both of which have a debilitating effect on their day-to-day life.

Although Spire commissioned a review in 2020, it has yet to be seen by the many patients affected by this surgeon using this mesh technique. The patients involved are concerned that the review is not independent and has not been comprehensively investigated. Many patients who have complained of their treatment and ongoing symptoms have yet to be contacted.

The Spire has commented to the BBC that the review would be comprehensive and “out of an abundance of caution, and because we want to do the right thing by our patients”.

In a statement to the BBC, Spire added: “Mr Dixon was employed by his local NHS Trust and held practising privileges at Spire Bristol Hospital. We suspended Mr Dixon in 2017 and he has not practised at our hospitals since then. We also referred Mr Dixon to the General Medical Counsel and have supported them with their investigations”. The Spire’s review is ongoing.

The BBC has also reported that “the GMC will be examining Mr Dixon’s work and conduct in September”.

Amanda Cavanagh, Associate in the Medical Negligence team at Ashtons Legal, comments: “Although this inquiry is ongoing, and thankfully the GMC is considering Mr Dixon’s conduct in September, the danger here and in other similar cases is the length of time it takes for these practitioners to be identified and their conduct and surgical techniques to be brought into question and investigated. Meanwhile, they continue to cause harm”.

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