"Liposuction death" findings unveiled
By Alvina Soh | Posted: 04 January 2012 1736 hrs
SINGAPORE: The State Coroner has ruled that property management firm boss Franklin Heng died from asphyxia due to airway obstruction following a liposuction procedure.
Mr Victor Yeo described the procedure, which was handled by 35-year-old Dr Jim Wong, as "perplexing, cumbersome and unsatisfactory".
He agreed with anaesthesia and pain management consultant Boey Wah Keong's previous testimony on several points.
Dr Boey was one of 17 witnesses, including six medical experts, who testified during the inquest, which started in October last year.
Forty-four-year-old Mr Heng, the former CEO of YTL Pacific Star REIT Management, underwent the procedure at Reves Clinic on 30 December 2009.
He suffered multiple penetrating wounds to his intestines and stomach, and was rushed by ambulance to Tan Tock Seng Hospital but was pronounced dead on the same day.
The inquest had heard Dr Wong had administered Propofol, a sedative, to achieve moderate sedation.
However, Dr Boey, who has a private practice at Gleneagles Hospital, had earlier said Mr Heng was under a deep level of sedation.
Mr Yeo agreed with this, adding Mr Heng was in "deep sedation almost to the point of general anaesthesia".
He also said both Dr Wong and Dr Zhu Xiu Chun, who assisted him in the procedure, failed to recognise the state of their patient.
The court also heard Mr Heng suffered multiple punctures to his intestines which was "inadvertently caused" by the probes and cannula, which is a hollow steel tube used to draw fats out.
Dr Wong told reporters after the hearing he was "deeply sorry" and sent his condolences to Mr Heng's family who were present in court on Wednesday.
A pre-trial conference will also be held later this month.
A civil suit is expected to take place in March this year.
- CNA/wk