Shock and sorrow surrounded the recent death of Florida high school senior Stephanie Kuleba, who succumbed while undergoing surgery at an outpatient center in Boca Raton, FL.
Nearly two hours into the procedure to correct asymmetrical breasts and an inverted areola, she developed symptoms of a rare condition called malignant hyperthermia (MH). She was rushed to nearby Delray Medical Center, where she passed away 24 hours later.
What is malignant hyperthermia (MH)?
Malignant hyperthermia is an inherited disorder triggered by anesthesia. Among its most recognizable symptoms is a body temperature that can reach up to 110 degrees Fahrenheit. While most surgeons have never encountered a case, if it is triggered and the proper protocol is not followed, MH can result in rapid death.
Don't Let the Headlines Alarm You
We want to reassure our patients immediately that this kind of tragedy could never have happened at Beautologie. Our fully accredited surgical facility and thorough emergency training are completely different from the situation that existed in Boca Raton.
Click here to read Beautologie's October 2007 e-newsletter introducing our state-of-the-art surgical facility and explaining the details of AAAHC accreditation.
Averting tragedy
As explained by MSNBC.com, "There is an antidote called Dantrolene that can reverse the effects of malignant hyperthermia if administered in proper dosages in a timely fashion. An autopsy report on Stephanie has not been completed and the cause of death has not been officially listed, but the family's attorney, Roberto Stanziale, said that her doctor, Steven Schuster, and anesthesiologist, Dr. Peter Warheit, administered one dose of Dantrolene when at least eight doses of the drug were required."
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Choose Only An Accredited Facility
Stephanie's case underscores the importance of checking the facility where the surgery will be performed, on top of researching your doctor.
Any doctor performing surgery in an outpatient surgery center should be trained in emergency procedures and the center itself should be accredited by the AAAHC or other national certifying organization.
We Kept the Press Informed
While the headlines trumpeted Stephanie's misfortune, Dr. Darshan Shah was busy informing the press about how the public can protect itself from such tragedies.
He was quoted asserting that "There has been so much attention focused on the certifications and training of the surgeon...no one is talking about the accreditation of the surgery facility itself, the support staff, or the training of the surgeon in ambulatory (or emergency) procedures and protocol."
Accreditation of the Facility
Had Stephanie's rare condition triggered an emergency at the Beautologie surgical suite, our surgeon and anesthesiologist would have been trained to recognize the initial signs of MH as well as how and when to treat. Nurses would have been properly trained and familiar with administration of Dantrolene, and the center would have been equipped with the necessary amount of the lifesaving antidote.
What does it mean to be accredited by the AAAHC?
Medical facilities like the Beautologie Surgery Center gain AAAHC accreditation by meeting specific standards and undergoing rigorous training (including MH-specific education). For more information on the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC), visit www.AAAHC.org.
The Benefits of Surgery Centers
Surgery centers provide many benefits not offered by traditional hospital settings-including a germ-free environment, privacy, no risk of cosmetic surgeries being rescheduled due to emergency (involuntary) procedures, and a staff trained to provide a superior level of personal care.
However, some centers do not have the same emergency procedures in place that one would find in a hospital...which is where certification comes into play.
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Due Diligence
Concludes Dr. Shah, "While malignant hyperthermia is extremely rare, one death is one too many. The good news for the public is that plastic and reconstructive procedures continue to be very safe...as long as you research both the surgeon as well as the ability of the center as a whole to handle an emergency such as MH."
To view a complete list of the training and credentials of Dr. Shah and all of the professionals at Beautologie, please visit www.drshah.com.
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