A 10-year-old boy in eastern China has been left with nearly no digestive system following a medical error, leaving him dependent on intravenous (IV) nutrition to survive. The case has drawn widespread attention and sympathy across mainland social media.
The boy, identified as Xiaoye, was admitted to Chengwu County People’s Hospital on October 26, 2023, after suffering severe stomach pain when a classmate accidentally bumped into him on the school playground.
During a routine examination, doctors discovered a lump in Xiaoye’s abdomen and opted for laparoscopic surgery, a minimally invasive procedure. However, complications arose once the operation began, prolonging the procedure to 14 hours. Nearly all of his digestive organs were removed during the surgery.
As a result, Xiaoye now relies entirely on IV nutrition. He has lost significant weight and developed elevated bilirubin levels. His mother said he has become withdrawn and rarely speaks, spending his days in a hospital bed.
A third-party forensic report released in December 2023 confirmed “significant medical faults” in the hospital’s treatment, which directly led to the boy’s condition. A subsequent investigation by the Chengwu County Health Bureau found procedural errors, including improper pre-surgery consultations among departments.
Yue said that during surgery, doctors informed her that a laparotomy was necessary due to heavy bleeding. When she and her husband requested transferring Xiaoye to a higher-level hospital, the doctors refused, claiming he was not suitable for transfer. They also informed the family of a large pancreatic tumor, prompting removal of the pancreas and duodenum.
The hospital has compensated the family with 200,000 yuan (US$28,000), far short of the ongoing medical expenses for Xiaoye’s care. Over the past two years, the family has sought treatment in other cities, where specialists suggested possible organ transplants — though finding compatible organs is unlikely, and lifelong anti-rejection medication would create immense financial strain.
Xiaoye’s plight highlights ongoing concerns about medical oversight, surgical consent procedures, and the risks faced by patients in critical operations.
