30s Sudden Death After Hyperhidrosis Surgery...Bereaved Family Suspects Medical Negligence

Police Report Filed and Autopsy Requested at NFS
Hospital States "No Procedural Issues"

A man in his 30s who underwent hyperhidrosis surgery at a large hospital in Suwon, Gyeonggi Province, suddenly died, prompting his family to request an autopsy on the body.

On the 11th, Yonhap News reported, "Lee Mo (34), who underwent sympathetic ganglionectomy surgery for hyperhidrosis treatment at the hospital's cardiovascular thoracic surgery department at 8:35 a.m. on the 5th of this month, suddenly developed a high fever over 38 degrees Celsius and passed away at 4:18 p.m. on the 9th, four days after the surgery."

Previously, Lee had experienced excessive sweating in his armpits and head, causing discomfort in daily life, so he decided to have surgery at this hospital near his residence. The surgery, which lasted about 45 minutes until around 9:20 a.m., involved resection of parts of the sympathetic ganglia on both the left and right sides. However, after being transferred to the ward, Lee began to develop a fever around noon the same day, and by approximately 3 p.m., his body temperature reportedly exceeded 40 degrees Celsius.

The hospital administered related drug treatments and hypothermia therapy, but as his condition did not improve, Lee was transferred to the intensive care unit. However, he fell into a coma and remained unconscious for several days before ultimately passing away on the 9th. According to the progress record issued by the hospital on the 6th, while Lee was still hospitalized, it was noted, "The fever that occurred 2 to 3 hours after surgery cannot rule out malignant hyperthermia caused by anesthetic agents." It also stated, "A rare medical condition suspected to be a complication of unknown cause related to surgery and anesthesia," and explained, "Undetermined high fever and organ damage and dysfunction caused by high blood pressure progressed, currently resulting in decreased brain function, liver failure, pancreatic failure, and acute renal failure."

The bereaved family reported to the police on the day of Lee’s death, saying, "We suspect medical negligence by the hospital," and an investigation is currently underway at the Suwon Jungbu Police Station. The family said, "The hospital still does not admit fault," and added, "We only hope the cause of our brother’s death, who had no significant underlying diseases, will be revealed." The police sent Lee’s body to the National Forensic Service for an autopsy request that morning. However, the hospital reportedly maintains that there were no issues with the medical procedures.