I was saddened to read about the 44-year-old mother who died following liposuction carried out by a general surgeon ("Mum, 44, second patient in 4 years to die after liposuction"; July 5).
There must be valid reasons why the Health Ministry allows general surgeons - and not just plastic surgeons - to carry out cosmetic treatments like liposuction.
However, in view of the fact that two people have died following liposuction in less than four years, I hope the ministry will put an immediate stop to such procedures being carried out by general surgeons, pending a complete review.
Liposuction involves anaesthetising and sedating the patient. Hence, proper and close monitoring is crucial during the operation.
From the perspective of a layman, I think such procedures ought to be carried out by only trained plastic surgeons.
Also, they should be done in operating theatres in hospitals and not in clinics, so that help is readily available in the event of an emergency.
Rajasegaran Ramasamy
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