Disgraced surgeon Eljamel performed several wrong site surgeries, inquiry told

Sam Eljamel, a once-respected brain surgeon at NHS Tayside, has been found to have performed multiple operations on the wrong body parts, an inquiry has revealed. The neurosurgeon, who worked at Ninewells Hospital in Dundee from 1995 to his suspension in December 2013, may have been too secretive about the outcomes of these "wrong site surgeries," according to experts.

The Royal College of Surgeons of England (RCS) raised concerns about Eljamel's clinical practice following a review, expressing issues with his pre-operative marking, post-operative care, and openness with colleagues and patients. An interim advice letter from October 2013 highlighted the risks associated with Eljamel's approach to spinal surgery.

During the inquiry, Professor Frank Smith, chairman of the RCS invited review mechanism, stated that wrong site surgeries "should never happen" and recommended further action to review Eljamel's spinal surgery cases. The RCS review team, which interviewed Eljamel and his staff in 2013, expressed doubts about his ability to maintain recent improvements long-term. The inquiry, taking place before Lord Weir in Edinburgh, is ongoing.