Medical management was appropriate, says hospital

As Ms Julia Lim Kiat Bee's mother needed surgery, medical pre-operative tests were carried out to determine the appropriate management, given her pre-existing conditions.

Based on the patient's thyroid function test results, it was necessary to increase the dosage of thyroxine to optimise her condition for surgery. The operation went well and the patient was closely monitored until her condition stabilised.

Although further tests were recommended post-surgery to evaluate the patient's thyroid status, her family asked for her discharge and follow-up by the patient's regular doctor in another hospital.

The patient was promptly assessed for her symptoms upon re-admission. Our doctors found no evidence of thyroxine overdose and this was conveyed to her family.

We understand the family members' anxiety over their mother's well-being, and assure Ms Lim that medical management was appropriate throughout the hospitalisation.

Chia Shi-Lu (Dr)

Acting Head, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery

Singapore General Hospital

Goh Su-Yen (Dr)

Head, Department of Endocrinology

Singapore General Hospital

This article was published on May 17 in The Straits Times.

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