US doctor suspended for reusing anal catheters

A doctor in the US has been suspended after allegedly reusing disposable single-use anal catheters, according to the news site, NJ.

Dr Sanjiv K. Patankar, a colorectal surgeon based in New Jersey had his license suspended by the New Jersey Board of Medical Examiners after being accused on reusing anal catheters.

Dr Patankar’s office shows that 82 procedures were performed from January to November 2017 but only five catheters were ordered for that period.

Instead of disposing of the single-use devices, Dr Patankar and his staff washed the catheters to be reused on other patients during procedures.

Certain single-use devices can be reused if proper FDA guidelines are followed but these do not include anal catheters. It’s estimated that a quarter of US hospitals reuse single-use devices, let’s hope they’re following proper guidelines.

Speaking about the allegations, the New Jersey Board of Medical Examiners said that Pantankar’s actions demonstrated a lack of judgement and “placed patients in clear and imminent danger”.

Attorney General Christopher S. Porrino said: “It is appalling that a doctor would engage in such an unsanitary and dangerous practice. Through his alleged conduct, Dr Patankar has demonstrated a reckless disregard for public safety that placed countless patients at risk of communicable diseases."