Woman sues over surgery she says was unnecessary

Olivia Kearney’s case centres on a symphysiotomy procedure — a practice which she alleges was abandoned in the developed world in the 19th century — done at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda, in October 1969.

A symphysiotomy is a surgical procedure which is carried out to permanently widen the pelvis of a woman who might normally require repeat Caesarean sections. It involves cutting through the cartilage binding the pubic bones together, and Ms Kearney claims it was wholly unjustified.

She said the procedure, allegedly performed by gynaecologist Dr Gerard Connolly, since deceased, led to pain and other health problems. (Independent) >