Surgeon is struck off after performing unnecessary operations on more than 200 patients

A surgeon has been struck off after he performed unnecessary artificial mesh operations on more than 200 patients at Southmead and Spire Hospitals in Bristol.

The surgeon in question, Mr Anthony Dixon, left patients in severe pain following bowel surgery however he denied the claims against him in two separate tribunals. The Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service went on to find against Mr Dixon and ordered his removal from the medical register. Mr Dixon had initially been suspended for over a year however the latest tribunal found there had been ‘a serious departure’ from the expected standards of a doctor and his dishonesty was ‘premeditated and sustained’. The tribunal report went on to say he “demonstrated a persistent lack of insight into the seriousness of his actions.”

Mr Dixon was one of the UK’s leading surgeons and pioneered the use of artificial mesh to treat prolapsed bowels until allegations regarding his conduct first arose 8 years ago.

During the two medical tribunals it was found that Mr Dixon had failed to gain informed consent to operate on five patients and acted dishonestly when he fabricated patient records even after his involvement in their care had ended. Although there was no financial gain for Mr Dixon’s dishonesty, the tribunal report said he “stood to gain personally by seeking to protect his professional reputation.”

Despite denying the allegations, Mr Dixon apologised for his misconduct and the pain his patients have endured since.

If you have received negligent treatment at the hands of a medical professional, please get in touch with our Personal Injury & Medical Negligence team on 01924 387110 to make an enquiry.