DUNDEE DOCTOR NOT STRUCK OFF AFTER BABY DECAPITATED DURING DELIVERY
A medical tribunal has concluded that Dr Vishnavy Vilvanathan Laxman, a consultant gynaecologist at Dundee's Ninewells Hospital, made an inappropriate choice of delivery method in March 2014, which led to the tragic decapitation of a baby.The tribunal found that Dr Laxman opted against performing an emergency caesarean section and instead attempted a vaginal delivery, a decision regarded as a critical mistake.
This choice initiated a series of events culminating in the child's decapitation, with the tribunal stating, "But for Dr Vilvanathan Laxman's error of judgement in this regard, the decapitation would not have occurred." At the time of the incident, Dr Laxman was nearing the end of a 24-hour shift and was called to assist with a woman who was 25 weeks pregnant.
The tribunal highlighted that her decision to pursue a vaginal delivery, rather than an immediate caesarean under general anaesthetic, was not supported by clinical guidelines and was ultimately responsible for the tragic result.
Dr Laxman, who qualified in 1999 in Chennai, India, and moved to the UK in 2004, has worked in obstetrics and gynaecology in Stirling, Kirkcaldy, and Dundee.
She now faces the possibility of being struck off the medical register.
NHS Tayside confirmed that she is no longer employed by the health board and issued condolences to the family involved.
