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Austrian Neurosurgeons Plead Not Guilty in Case Alleging 12-Year-Old Drilled Patient’s Skull

Proceedings are adjourned to December 10 pending expert testimony on the disputed use of the drill.

Overview

  • Prosecutors say a trainee neurosurgeon brought her daughter into a January 13, 2024 emergency operation at University Hospital Graz and let the child make a hole for an intracranial‑pressure probe.
  • The mother and a junior colleague are charged with minor bodily harm and could face up to one year in prison or a fine if convicted.
  • The defense denies that the girl operated independently, with the junior doctor testifying she placed her hand on his while he kept control of the drill and foot pedal.
  • An anesthetist told the court she saw four hands on the drill, and the accused mother admitted she later boasted about her daughter out of “stupid maternal pride.”
  • Hospital officials say anonymous reports triggered the inquiry; both surgeons have been dismissed, and the patient’s operation was reported as successful.