Restrictions placed on the licence of a specialist doctor who removed the wrong kidney from a patient in central Queensland must be lifted, the state’s Civil and Administrative Tribunal has ruled.
Spanish-trained urologist Antonio Vega Vega was suspended from practice last month after the botched surgery.
Dr Vega Vega was also alleged to have previously misdiagnosed a twisted testicle, ultimately causing it to be removed, nicked another surgical patient’s artery, and wrongly positioned a stent in a separate operation.
The Medical Board of Australia (MBA) lifted its suspension on Dr Vega Vega last week but imposed strict conditions and monthly competence reviews.
The conditions meant he could only practice medicine under supervision and was required to have his professional competence reviewed monthly.
But Dr Vega Vega wanted those conditions removed, arguing the kidney surgery was highly complex because of the patient’s spina bifida, and that he had the confidence and respect of his colleagues.
Despite the order, the Central Queensland Hospital and Health Service said earlier today it would not reinstate Dr Vega Vega until the completion of an external investigation.
ABC/AAP