Deaths of 22 Brits from Turkey medical tourism spark urgent investigation
UK health officials are launching an urgent investigation into the safety of medical procedures in Turkey following the deaths of 22 British citizens. The investigation comes after a British woman, Melissa Kerr, lost her life during a Brazilian butt lift (BBL) operation at the Medicana Kadikoy Hospital in Istanbul in 2019. An inquest into Kerr’s death revealed that she was not adequately informed about the risks and mortality rate associated with the procedure. Concerns have been raised about the lack of transparency and controls surrounding cosmetic surgeries in Turkey, with claims that UK nationals are not fully aware of the potential dangers.
Norfolk’s senior coroner, Jacqueline Lake, expressed her concerns in a letter to the Department of Health and Social Care, stating that patients traveling to Turkey for cosmetic procedures are not being adequately informed about the risks and high mortality rate associated with such surgeries. She also highlighted the absence or limited presence of controls regulating these procedures. Law officials have urged individuals who have experienced negative outcomes from medical procedures abroad to contact webtravel@reachplc.com.
Maria Caulfield, the UK government’s minister for mental health and women’s health strategy, responded to Lake’s letter, confirming that UK health officials would be visiting Turkey to discuss the regulatory framework and the protections in place for UK nationals. The objective is to identify areas where the UK and Turkish authorities can collaborate to minimize risks to patients in the future. Caulfield emphasized the importance of ensuring that individuals considering the BBL procedure are fully aware of the associated risks and provided ample time for reflection before undergoing surgery. The British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons has advised its members to refrain from performing Brazilian butt lift surgeries until further research is conducted to determine its safety.
Melissa Kerr tragically died on November 19, 2019, during her BBL procedure when injected fat migrated into a vein, causing a blockage in her pulmonary artery. Her cause of death was identified as pulmonary thromboembolism and fat embolism, with elective cosmetic surgery listed as a secondary cause. Kerr’s case is not an isolated incident, as the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) previously issued a warning to medical tourists about verifying the legitimacy of providers in Turkey after 22 British nationals died within four years.
The FCDO stated, We are aware of 22 British nationals who have died in Turkey since January 2019 following medical tourism visits. The investigation aims to address the concerns surrounding the safety of medical procedures in Turkey, particularly for UK citizens, and improve transparency and control measures to prevent future tragedies.
As this investigation unfolds, it is crucial for individuals considering overseas medical procedures to weigh the risks carefully and seek comprehensive information before making any decisions. The safety and well-being of patients should always be the top priority, and clear communication of risks and potential complications is essential to ensure informed consent.
