A retired surgeon in Sydney has backed Indian-origin doctor Jayant Patel's decision on the course of surgery on a cancer patient.
Retired general surgeon Dr William Kingston said that Patel's decision to remove the patient's colon and rectum was correct, telling a jury that performing the operation was 'reasonable'.
Patel, 62, has pleaded not guilty in the Brisbane District Court to the grievous bodily harm of Ian Rodney Vowles, 66, at the Bundaberg Hospital in October, 2004.
According to the Courier Mail, Kingston, who worked as a visiting medical officer at the Bundaberg Hospital between 1995 and 2005, told the court he agreed with Patel's course of surgery on Vowles.
Dr Kingston said he believed Vowel's bowel was 'a hazard to him' due to the significant potential for colorectal cancer and the 'rapidity' with which it had developed, despite regular precautionary colonoscopies.
He said it was his opinion Patel's decision to operate was 'reasonable'.
Barrister Ken Fleming QC, for Patel, told the jury the procedure was done in order to treat aggressive colon cancer.
The trial, before Judge Terry Martin QC, continues.
