Undiagnosed cyst lands GP in trouble.

SA Christchurch GP is in a tight spot after a complaint recorded in the medical complaints tribunal has pointed at him for medical negligence in diagnosing an ovarian cyst weighing 14.7 kg. The doctor, whose name has not been made public, communicated to the tribunal that the patient in question, a woman aged 44, had been consulting him for 12 years, but had not portrayed any symptoms of a cyst.

Later, the woman was operated for removal of the cyst in 2004, during which time nearly 10 liters of fluid was drained out. This is being treated as professional negligence on the part of the GP who had failed to diagnose the problem within a decent timeframe.

The accusation labeled on the doctor expresses disappointment on the doctor's part in properly recording the symptoms and probing the problem of indigestion, bloating, abdominal distension and weight problems.

The doctor, who should have ideally recommended further investigations, had instead prescribed a weight reduction pill called Duromine for nearly 4 months. Additionally the doctors had treated the patient for conditions like irritable bowel syndrome, reflux and an upper respiratory tract infection.

Despite the accusations, the doctor, facing the charge from the medical tribunal, held fort that the woman had not complained of any sort of discomfort in her stomach, so there was no reason to examine the area.

Cystic Hygroma (Birth Defect)

Cystic hygroma is a lymphatic malformation, a birth defect characterized by fluid filled sacs usually present on the head and neck of newborn babies or may appear later. Cystic hygroma in fetus is caused by defect in development of the lymphatic system.