Lipo Doctor Tried to Save Patient: Attorney
BSO is investigating a Weston Spa that may have caused a woman to go brain dead
By WILLARD SHEPARD and TODD WRIGHT
Updated 6:11 PM EDT, Wed, Sep 30, 2009
Rohie Kah-Orukotan went into the Weston Med Spa on Friday a healthy mother of three just looking to shed a few pounds.
She left on a stretcher and is now brain dead as her family wrestles with the tough decision of pulling the plug after what they said was a simple procedure that went horribly wrong.
"A healthy 37-year-old woman shouldn't go in for that type of procedure and then be declared legally brain dead three days later," family attorney Michael Freeland said. "That's not normal. That shouldn't happen."
Now the attorney for the doctor who performed the cosmetic surgery says his client did nothing wrong, according to the Miami Herald.
Dr. Omar J. Brito, who is a licensed doctor from Venezuela, tried to save Kah-Orukotan after she began to experience complications during the end of the liposuction, Brian Bieber told the Herald.
"The surgery was routine,'' Bieber said. "There were no complications throughout the entire procedure until the end.''
The Broward Sheriff's Office has opened a case that could turn into a homicide investigation if and when the family decides to terminate Orukotan's life, which is now solely dependent on hospital machines. Brito is cooperating with investogators, Beiber said.
Brito has a sketchy past with the state medical board. In 2006, Brito faced allegations he aided in the unlicensed practice of medicine. He reached a settlement and the Florida board of Medicine fined him $5,000, ordered him to complete 200 hours of community service and attend training classes.
The Sun-Sentinel reports the spa did not have a license from the state Health Department to do full liposuctions. State officials are looking into the matter. Brito also works at MG Medical & Aesthetic in Pembroke Pines, which advertises cosmetic liposuction. That company is registered with the state for liposuction.
The Weston Med Spa's website advertises slightly intrusive procedures like liposuction, Botox, laser hair removal and other anti-aging procedures. The spa also offers traditional services like massages and facials.
Kah-Orukotan had been a regualr customer of the spa for five years.
As for the Orukotan family, they are still holding out hope that the woman who sacrificed so much to take such good care of them doesn't have to be sacrificed. She has three children, ages 4, 5, and 7.
"Something bad went wrong," said Oking Habib, a family friend. "We hate to lose her. This is very hard for the family. She is a sweet lady."
First Published: Sep 29, 2009 6:31 PM EDT
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