A 17-year-old boy from Osaka Prefecture has died following complications from wisdom tooth removal surgery, with authorities citing improper anesthesia procedures as the likely cause.
The incident occurred last year at a clinic in Sakai City, Osaka, but was only disclosed by authorities this Monday.
The victim, Yuta Tomikawa, was a third-year student at a special-needs school operated by the Osaka Prefectural Government. Tomikawa, who had a developmental disorder, visited the clinic in July of the previous year to have two wisdom teeth extracted.
According to the police, the dentists involved in the procedure have been referred to prosecutors. Reports from Mainichi indicate that police are seeking severe disciplinary actions, including the indictment of a 55-year-old male clinic director and a 34-year-old female dentist on charges of professional negligence resulting in death.
The police allege that the clinic staff failed to take necessary measures after incorrectly inserting a tube meant to deliver oxygen to Tomikawa’s lungs. The clinic, which is run by the Sakai Dental Association, was established in 2008 to assist patients who face difficulties receiving treatment at regular dental clinics, such as those unable to stay still during procedures.
NHK reports that Tomikawa suffered from hypoxia after receiving general anesthesia for his tooth extraction and died approximately one month later. Investigations revealed that the tube intended to supply oxygen to his lungs had been inserted through his nose but had somehow become dislodged from the trachea, leading to inadequate oxygenation.
Despite the situation, the attending dentist failed to confirm the correct placement of the tube, and the clinic director also did not verify it. Instead, the director administered first aid under the assumption of a different cause. This resulted in a delay of over 40 minutes before emergency services were contacted.