Aníbal Lotocki medical malpractice trial

An oral trial has commenced in Buenos Aires against plastic surgeon Aníbal Lotocki and several other medical professionals regarding the 2021 death of businessman Cristian Zárate. Prosecutors allege the death occurred following aesthetic procedures, including lipoesculture and dermolipectomy, which were reportedly performed despite the patient’s medical history of diabetes, smoking, and coronavirus. The investigation further noted that the surgeon allegedly left the operating room for approximately 40 minutes during the intervention.

Lotocki faces charges of simple homicide with eventual intent. He is being tried alongside plastic surgeon Daniel Enrique Zambrano García, anesthesiologist Santiago Luis Olguín, surgeon Polansky Peláez Hoyos, pathologist Silvia Mabel Fernández, and clinic director Andrea Isabel Torelli of the Centro Médico Conde (CEMECO). Additionally, a surgical technician faces charges of alleged concealment.

During the initial proceedings, Lotocki refused to testify. He is currently held in preventive detention at the Ezeiza prison. Beyond the homicide charges, Lotocki is accused of causing extremely serious injuries to five women during procedures performed between 2009 and 2021. Meanwhile, Lotocki’s partner, María José Favarone, has defended his use of methacrylate, noting it is a product approved by ANMAT, and reported an attempted kidnapping following a visit to the surgeon at the penal facility.