Hospital missed kidney cancer – patient died

It was last year that the patient was examined at the care unit where the person received treatment for his chronic illness. An X-ray examination was done and a change on one kidney was discovered and further investigation of the change was recommended.

An ultrasound was performed on the person, but the examination was not optimal so a computed tomography with contrast was recommended. However, it was missed and was only done a year later when the patient sought care again. It was then discovered that the person had kidney cancer that had spread throughout the body. Palliative care was instituted and the patient died in the spring of 2024.

Could have been cured if detected in time

– We have investigated the incident and it is the human factor that is behind the fact that it was missed, says Sonja Sundqvist, chief physician.

In the notification to the Inspectorate for Care and Care (IVO), the chief physician writes that it is important to detect the disease early. If the disease is diagnosed in time, it can be curable.

IVO has not yet returned with a statement, but when they do, measures must be taken to reduce the risk of something similar happening again. Among other things, this involves training the staff group.

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