Hospital Cruz Vermelha investigates wrong-site knee surgery in Curitiba

A 72-year-old woman, Marilda da Silva, underwent knee replacement surgery on the wrong leg at Hospital Cruz Vermelha in Curitiba, Brazil. While the procedure was scheduled for her left knee following medical evaluations and exams, she awoke to find the surgery had been performed on her right knee.

The patient's daughter, Sabrina da Silva, reported that no surgical site marking was performed prior to the operation. According to the medical team, the change was made because the patient allegedly requested the switch while under sedation. However, the patient stated she has no memory of making such a request.

Hospital Cruz Vermelha has launched an internal investigation to review technical records and the conduct adopted during the procedure. Additionally, the Regional Medical Council of Paraná (CRM-PR) has opened a formal inquiry to investigate the incident.