Paralysis Case Against Florida Anesthesiologist Dismissed

Florida Department of Health dismissed a complaint against Thomas Rodenberg, MD, of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., who was the anesthesiologist handling the care of a man who was paralyzed after outpatient surgery, according to a report in the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.

According to a letter received by Dr. Rodenberg, the Department of Health found "insufficient evidence of a violation" in the medical care provided by the anesthesiologist.

The case involved a patient who went in for a "manipulation under anesthesia" pain management procedure at Atlantic Surgical Center in Pompano Beach, Fla., in Dec. 2008. At some point during the procedure, oxygen or blood flow to the patient's brain was cut, and the patient went into a coma and was left paralyzed, according to the report. State inspectors stopped the center from seeing new patients after finding "management and equipment violations," but after problems were addressed, the state reopened the facility.

Dr. Rodenberg provided state investigators with a detailed report of his actions after the complaint was filed against him, stating that the machines worked during the procedure.

Read the Sun-Sentinel's report about the case dropped against the Florida anesthesiologist.