Aníbal Lotocki faces trial for homicide following aesthetic surgery death

The oral trial against plastic surgeon Aníbal Lotocki began this Wednesday in Buenos Aires. Lotocki faces charges of simple homicide with eventual intent regarding the 2021 death of businessman Cristian Zárate following an aesthetic procedure.

Prosecutors allege the surgery, which included lipoesculture and dermolipectomy, was performed despite the patient's medical history of diabetes, smoking, and coronavirus. The investigation noted that the complexity of the procedures required multiple stages, yet the surgeon reportedly left the operating room for approximately 40 minutes during the intervention.

Lotocki is being judged alongside four other medical professionals and the director of the Centro Médico Conde (CEMECO), where the surgery took place. Additionally, a surgical technician faces charges of alleged concealment. The trial will be held at the Tribunal Oral en lo Criminal y Correccional N° 17, with hearings scheduled for Wednesdays throughout August and September.