Man in His 30s Dies During Cosmetic Procedure Under Sedation; Propofol Overdose

[The Financial News] Police have identified signs of medical negligence in the death of a man in his 30s who was undergoing a cosmetic procedure under sedation, and have referred the case to the prosecution.
The Gyeonggi Nambu Provincial Police Agency’s criminal investigation unit announced on the 23rd that a doctor, identified as A, was sent to the prosecution without detention in mid-month on charges including professional negligence resulting in death, violations of the Medical Service Act, and violations of the Narcotics Control Act.
Police also referred two others from the clinic—a junior doctor and a nurse—without detention on suspicion of violating the Medical Service Act and other related offenses.
Doctor A and others are accused of causing the death of a man in his 30s, identified as B, through professional negligence while administering sedation at a clinic in Paldal District, Suwon, on January 25 last year.
During the cosmetic procedure, B, who was under sedation, suddenly went into cardiac arrest and was rushed to a nearby hospital. He remained unconscious while receiving treatment and died 15 days later, on February 9 last year.
After receiving a complaint from the bereaved family, police opened an investigation, requesting an autopsy on B’s body from the National Forensic Service (NFS) and conducting search and seizure operations over the course of about a year.
Investigators are said to have found indications that A and others administered more Propofol to B during sedation than the standard dose.
Propofol, which is used in medical institutions for general anesthesia and similar purposes, can cause side effects such as apnea, decreased heart rate, and cardiovascular complications when administered in excessive amounts.
Police reportedly confirmed the charges against A and the others after comprehensively reviewing expert opinions from the Korea Medical Dispute Mediation and Arbitration Agency and The Korean Society of Anesthesiologists.
gaa1003@fnnews.com Reporter An Gaeul Reporter