Nova Scotia doctor rebuked for mishandled surgery, work to be audited

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TRURO, N.S. — A Nova Scotia doctor is being formally reprimanded for a mishandled surgery that preceded a patient’s death.

The Nova Scotia College of Physicians and Surgeons is lifting previously imposed restrictions on Martin Dzierzanowski while ordering six months of audits on his surgical cases.

In February 2012, the Truro-based surgeon mistakenly performed a biopsy on a patient’s pancreas during what was supposed to be gall bladder surgery.

The patient underwent further treatment in Halifax after his condition deteriorated, but he later died.

The college’s investigation summary concludes Dzierzanowski failed to demonstrate appropriate knowledge, skill and judgment during the procedure, and that he fell short in communicating with the patient’s family.

The surgeon’s licence was curtailed immediately following the incident, but the restrictions were gradually lifted as audits of his surgical work over the past two years revealed no continuing problems with his practice.