Norfolk teenager describes extreme pain following surgery by Great Ormond Street surgeon
James Wood endured significant complications after being treated by Yaser Jabbar.
A 19-year-old man has spoken about the intense pain he experienced following an operation performed by surgeon Yaser Jabbar at Great Ormond Street Hospital.
James Wood, from Great Yarmouth, was referred to Mr Jabbar at the age of 12 due to multiple pterygium syndrome. The rare condition, which affects neuromuscular and skeletal functions, caused limited movement in Mr Wood's knees and ankles due to skin webbing.
In September 2018, Mr Wood was referred to Mr Jabbar and underwent an operation in April 2019. The procedure involved fixing a frame to his leg to stretch the tissues in his knee, as well as lengthening his Achilles tendon.
However, weeks later, Mr Wood began experiencing extreme pain and swelling in his right thigh. An ultrasound at Great Ormond Street Hospital revealed that one of the pins securing the frame had protruded into his thigh, causing damage to his femoral artery and significant bleeding when removed.
The frame was eventually taken off, and a full-length leg cast was applied. This led to a deep pressure sore forming on Mr Wood's heel.
An independent review ahead of the hospital's report found poor surgical skill by Mr Jabbar, highlighting that an inappropriate type of pin was used, increasing the risk of vascular injury. The review criticised Mr Jabbar’s lack of exploration of non-surgical options as well as inadequate documentation of risks.
Great Ormond Street Hospital published its report detailing harm caused by Mr Jabbar to dozens of children.