A recent investigation at Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) has found that surgeon Yaser Jabbar caused harm to nearly 100 children. Jabbar, who worked at the hospital from 2017 to 2022, treated 789 children, with 94 experiencing complications. Most of these cases involved children who underwent surgery.
He specialized in limb-lengthening and reconstruction for children with complex conditions. The hospital described the operations, which included inserting metal plates, bone grafts, and implants, as high-risk. While some complications are expected, the report found Jabbar’s practice to be substandard in many areas, causing unnecessary harm.
Issues with Surgical Practices
The review highlighted serious concerns, including:
- Premature removal of bone fixation devices
- Operations without clear medical reasoning
- Incorrect bone cuts and problems with pin placement
- Poor management and recognition of complications
More than a quarter of patients treated by Jabbar experienced harm. Thirty-five children suffered severe harm, while another child had severe harm unrelated to surgery.
Families Share Their Experiences
Families affected by these surgeries described ongoing struggles.
One girl, Bunty, born with a rare bone condition that caused her leg to be bowed and short, underwent multiple operations by Jabbar. She eventually required a lower leg amputation, which was classed as moderate harm. Her father, Dean Stalham, criticized the hospital, saying the issues should have been noticed earlier.
Lizzie Roberts reported that her son, Tate, had surgery on his knee to address complications from a road accident years earlier. Jabbar also operated on his ankle without consent, leaving him in constant pain. Tate had to drop out of college and now faces additional surgery. His case was also classed as moderate harm.
Hospital Response
GOSH expressed deep regret for the harm caused and confirmed attempts to contact Jabbar. The hospital acknowledged that while some complications are expected in high-risk procedures, Jabbar’s practices fell short of acceptable standards.
