Kyoto University Hospital brain surgery error leaves patient in critical condition

A 50‑plus‑year‑old woman undergoing surgery for a benign brain tumor at Kyoto University Hospital suffered a severe medical error. During the operation, rapid pathology tests twice indicated that the tissue removed was not tumor. The operating neurosurgeon, citing personal experience, ignored the results and continued the resection, ultimately removing normal brain tissue and damaging the brainstem. The patient remains unable to breathe spontaneously and is dependent on a ventilator, with an uncertain prognosis.

The hospital has issued an apology to the family, reported the incident to the Kyoto Prefectural Police, and pledged a thorough investigation into the decision‑making process that allowed the surgery to proceed despite contradictory pathology findings.