Teenager Left with 'Horrifying' Pain Following Surgery by Disgraced Great Ormond Street Surgeon
A teenager has spoken out about the "horrifying" pain he endured after undergoing surgery at Great Ormond Street Hospital (Gosh) by surgeon Yaser Jabbar, whose practices have now been condemned in a damning hospital report.
James Wood, now 19 and from Great Yarmouth, was just 12 years old when he was referred to Mr Jabbar for treatment of multiple pterygium syndrome, a rare congenital condition affecting his neuromuscular and skeletal functions. The surgery in April 2019 aimed to stretch his knee tissues and lengthen an Achilles tendon, involving the fitting of an external frame to his leg.
Severe Complications and Lasting Damage
Within weeks of the procedure, Mr Wood developed extreme pain and swelling in his right thigh. Medical examinations revealed that a pin from the frame had protruded into his thigh, causing significant bleeding and damage to his femoral artery upon its removal. The frame was subsequently taken off, and he was placed in a permanent full-length leg cast, which unfortunately led to a deep pressure sore on his heel.
An independent review conducted ahead of Thursday's Gosh report found that "poor surgical skill" by Mr Jabbar had directly resulted in the pin entering Mr Wood's thigh during the frame fitting. The review criticised the type of pins used, which increased the risk of vascular injury, and noted that alternative pins should have been employed. It also highlighted Mr Jabbar's apparent lack of consideration for non-surgical treatments, alongside poor documentation and risk assessment.
Traumatic Recovery and Ongoing Struggles
Mr Wood, currently studying English literature and creative writing at the University of East Anglia, described the ordeal as "incredibly traumatic." He stated, "I was only 12 at the time so you just trust the doctors. I was never right after I had that operation and was in pain from the moment the frame was put on me."
He recounted experiencing intense fits of pain in his right thigh lasting up to an hour, which he described as "the worst pain I had ever felt." Regaining the ability to walk took a considerable amount of time, and he had to make numerous return visits to the hospital for follow-up appointments.
To this day, Mr Wood continues to struggle with movement. He has delayed treatment on his other leg due to the trauma he endured, explaining, "I'm not letting them touch my legs again unless it's vital, because I'm in university and I can't handle a long recovery right now."
His right leg remains limited in mobility, unable to bend more than 90 degrees, and his right foot is awkwardly positioned. The deep pressure sore has resulted in the loss of most of the back of his heel, causing his feet to be drastically different sizes. This makes walking and finding suitable shoes particularly challenging.
Impact on Life and Education
The botched surgery has had a profound impact on Mr Wood's life. He misses out on many formative high school experiences, spending his early teenage years in recovery, which left him feeling quite lonely. He stated, "This experience has robbed me of my abilities from being 13. I'm still recovering to this day."
He also struggles with stairs, and his right leg sometimes "gives out," making it harder to walk longer distances and often slowing his pace. Reflecting on the broader implications, he expressed dismay, saying, "To later find out that my surgeon was harming not only me, but many others, and was not stopped for many years, is abysmal. How can this ever have been allowed to happen?"
Legal Action and Hospital Report
The Gosh report, published on Thursday, details the severe harm caused by Mr Jabbar to dozens of children under his care. Hudgell Solicitors represents Mr Wood and is among the firms pursuing civil claims against Gosh on behalf of affected clients.
Caroline Murgatroyd, a solicitor at Hudgell Solicitors, commented, "James's case sadly reflects many others that we have seen. Patient reports paint a picture of a man not following recognised procedures and treatments, being allowed to carry out surgeries without full and proper consideration or consultation with patients and colleagues, and then repeatedly operating to a very poor standard and causing harm."
She added that while the Trust's report may offer reassurance about implemented changes, it provides little comfort to the children and parents who believed they were receiving treatment at one of the best possible facilities. The firm is seeking damages to cover pain and suffering, as well as costs for rehabilitation, therapies, and necessary equipment.
The case highlights significant concerns about surgical standards and patient safety at a leading children's hospital, with Mr Wood's account serving as a stark reminder of the long-term consequences of medical negligence.
