Tube left in boy's throat after surgery

Kurtis Matthews with the tube that was left in his nose. Picture / Wairarapa Times-Age

A 12cm tube was left in a five-year-old boy's throat after a dental operation.

Kurtis Matthews was extremely distressed after Friday's hour-long operation to remove five teeth at Kenepuru Community Hospital, Porirua.

The piece of tube lodged in his throat was causing coughing fits and prevented him speaking.

Capital & Coast District Health Board has now launched a review of the incident.

Kurtis' mother Joanne Matthews, of Carterton, said she was worried but put her son's discomfort down to side-effects from the anaesthetic. Two days later Kurtis was still not able to eat, drink, or talk properly, prompting Mrs Matthews to take him to the local medical centre.

Mrs Matthews said the doctor spotted the end of the tube in the boy's throat and decided it should be removed at Masterton Hospital.

"It was touching his vocal chords, that's why he couldn't speak properly. Every time he drank liquid it would backwash up his nose again. He was crying a lot," she said.

Kurtis' condition has vastly improved after the operation and he is recovering at home.

Mrs Matthews said the tube was used in the initial operation to keep the airway clear while under anaesthetic.

She said she had received calls and a letter from the hospital where the original dental operation was completed, apologising for the error. But Mrs Matthews said someone needed to be accountable and that she would be taking the matter further.

She said she was not seeking compensation for the mishap, but her aim was to make sure it did not happen to another child.

Chris Lowry, Capital & Coast District Health Board's business manager for medical surgical services, said: "We extend our sincere apolgies to the patient and their family for any distress which has resulted from this incident.

"It is clear that in this instance our systems and processes did not live up to the usual high standards which we set for ourselves.

"The incident is being reviewed, and we will ensure that any necessary changes are made so that this situation cannot arise again."

- WAIRARAPA TIMES-AGE, HERALD ONLINE STAFF