WASHINGTON – Dr. Mehmet Oz tells WTOP that the death of comedian Joan
Rivers is a reminder of the risks associated with out-patient procedures.
Rivers died Sept. 4 at a New York hospital of brain damage from a lack of
oxygen after she stopped breathing during an endoscopy several days earlier.
Rivers, who was 81, was scheduled to appear for a taping of the Dr. Oz Show
the day she died, Oz says.
New York state health officials released a report Monday
that found the clinic where Rivers had the procedure performed made several
errors including that the clinic “failed to identify deteriorating vital signs
and provide timely intervention,” according to the Associated Press. The
clinic also allowed a surgeon who was not on staff to perform nose and throat
scoping procedures.
In River’s case, the doctor performed an invasive endoscopy technique that
probably wasn’t necessary, Oz tells WTOP. He says the doctor could have put
the scope in River’s nose, instead of her mouth. The less invasive technique
would not have needed any anesthesia and would have avoided the risk that
spasming vocal chords would render Rivers unable to breath.
With the trend for more and more out-patient procedures, Oz says patients
should ask their doctors whether any out-patient procedure is necessary and
whether the therapy being offered is the least invasive option.
He also says patients should always seek a second opinion. Another doctor may
offer a different diagnosis or a different treatment.
“We have a big movement towards out-patient procedures, which make a lot of
sense if you’re young and healthy. But if you’re over the age of 75, the risks
of complications in out-patient procedures go up dramatically. The risks of
sedation, especially the kinds of things they were doing to Joan Rivers, goes
up a lot in out-patient procedures as well,” Oz says.
Other health conditions, like heart problems, can also increase the risk of
complications and should be addressed by the doctor, Oz says.
Patients should also ask their doctor what backup plans are in place should
something go awry during the procedure.
Despite the risks, out-patient clinics offer some advantages over having
medical procedures performed in a hospital, which would require more
paperwork, time and increases the risk of infections.
Related Stories:
- NY agency notes clinical errors in Rivers’ treatment
- Medical examiner: Rivers died of low blood oxygen
- Joan Rivers lauded as pioneer for female comics
- Family: Joan Rivers on life support
- Daughter: Joan Rivers is in ‘serious condition’
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