"Believed Doctor's Opinion and Underwent Spine Surgery, Resulting in Bowel and Bladder Dysfunction... Future Disappeared" Cheong Petition

"Hospitalized in Summer, Still Not Discharged by Winter"
"Unable to Control Urine, Soiled Pants... Lost 8kg in Weight"

On the 9th, a post requesting help was uploaded on the Blue House National Petition Board, stating that after undergoing back surgery at a hospital, the person developed urinary and fecal incontinence. / Photo by Blue House National Petition Board capture

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Juhyung] A claim has emerged that a patient who underwent back surgery based on a doctor's opinion is suffering from side effects that prevent control of bowel and bladder functions, sparking expected controversy. The patient who underwent the surgery is still hospitalized, and it is reported that they are on the brink of bankruptcy due to hospital bills and various tax issues.

On the 9th, a petition titled "I developed bowel and bladder dysfunction after back surgery" was posted on the Blue House National Petition Board.

The petitioner, identified as Mr. A, a head of household in his late 40s, stated, "After falling in the bathroom, I experienced pain in my leg and underwent a detailed examination. Based on the doctor's opinion that there was an abnormality in my lumbar vertebrae, I underwent surgery," adding, "I was told I would be discharged in two weeks and able to live a normal life. It was a spinal fusion surgery connecting the 12th thoracic vertebra and the 1st lumbar vertebra."

The problem arose after the surgery. The area around the buttocks became paralyzed, and the patient lost control over bowel and bladder functions. Regarding this, Mr. A said, "The hospital diagnosed me with cauda equina syndrome," adding, "I had to undergo a second surgery before the surgical wound had even fully healed."

He continued, "Not once but twice I had surgery. It was agonizing to the point of death, but I endured it with hope of returning home soon and dreaming of a normal daily life," expressing, "I was admitted in summer, and now winter is approaching, yet I still have not been discharged." It is reported that Mr. A has been hospitalized at this hospital for four months.

Mr. A complained that after undergoing two surgeries, he has difficulty walking and has no sensation in his lower body, making daily life impossible. The photo is unrelated to specific expressions in the article. / Photo by Yonhap News

Mr. A is still experiencing difficulty walking, and sensation in his lower body has not returned, making daily life impossible as he sometimes soils his pants. He said, "The hospital only says that it will get better with time," adding, "I live each day with worry and anxiety, wondering if it will really get better or if I have to live as a disabled person for life."

The bigger issue is that Mr. A is facing bankruptcy due to accumulated costs and various tax problems while being hospitalized.

Mr. A said, "The hospital bills amount to about 20 million won," adding, "Even while hospitalized, I worried about my family's livelihood and called the Happiness Welfare Center to apply for basic livelihood security, but was told I did not qualify because I have a deposit on a lease and a car lease. That is all my assets."

Also, since it has not been six months since the surgery, he is unable to apply for disability registration, and efforts to request dispute mediation from the Medical Dispute Mediation Committee are reportedly facing difficulties.

He said, "The hospital claims that the paralysis occurred because blood from the first surgery hardened inside the body and pressed on the nerves. They completely deny any medical malpractice," adding, "My life changed before and after the surgery. I cannot hold my urine even for a moment, and I do not even realize when feces leak into my pants. All the muscles in my body have wasted away, and I have lost 8 kg in weight."

He continued, "My future has disappeared, and I have become afraid of the world," appealing, "There is nothing I can do on my own. Please help me." This petition has currently received preliminary consent from more than 100 people and is about to be made public on the board.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.