Austrian Neurosurgeon Faces Charges After Allegedly Involving Daughter in Surgery

An Austrian neurosurgeon has entered a plea of not guilty regarding allegations that he allowed his 12-year-old daughter to drill into a patient’s skull during a surgery.

The incident occurred at Graz Regional Hospital on January 13, 2024, involving a 33-year-old man who required urgent brain surgery following a traumatic injury, as reported by an Austrian news agency. The neurosurgeon was assisting a senior doctor during the procedure, and it was stated that his daughter was brought into the operating room by another medical professional. Prosecutors have claimed that both the mother, aged 58, and the other surgeon are facing conspiracy charges related to bodily harm for involving an untrained individual in the operation.

According to the indictment, the surgeon allegedly provided his daughter with a drill near the conclusion of the surgery, allowing her to create holes for the probe. Prosecutor Julia Steiner commented that the surgeon boasted about his daughter’s experience, claiming she had just completed her first gynecological hysterectomy, which is quite troubling.

This shocking situation came to light following an anonymous tip. Steiner expressed that the actions displayed a profound disregard for patient safety, emphasizing that the risks should not be overlooked.

Defense lawyer Bernhard Rehofer contested the claims, asserting that the child did not actually operate the drill and that the supervising physician had complete control. He did concede that, in hindsight, it was “not a good idea.”

Further complicating the case, attorney Michael Kropiunig, representing the doctor, mentioned that his client was unaware of the girl’s age. He noted that while she may have placed her hands near the equipment during training, this was not relevant to the criminal charges.

The surgeon stated that his daughter was standing behind him at a pivotal moment, claiming she was a distraction. However, the daughter has refused to testify in court.

Prosecutors alleged that the neurosurgeon attempted to conceal the incident by pressuring colleagues. “I wanted to protect him,” she reportedly stated.

Stefan Wolfsberger, the head of neurosurgery at the hospital, shared that he became aware of the situation through an anonymous letter, expressing disbelief at the revelation.

Both doctors have pleaded not guilty to assault charges in Graz’s Eastern District Court. The court has postponed proceedings until December 10 to consider expert testimonies.