Doctors who testified in the trial of medical workers responsible for treating Diego Maradona before his death stated that the former Argentina football star was considered a “high-risk” and “difficult” patient to treat.
Maradona, who died on November 25, 2020, at the age of 60 due to cardiac arrest, was recovering from brain surgery for a blood clot after struggling with cocaine and alcohol addictions for many years.
Seven healthcare workers are accused of negligence in Maradona’s death and face charges of “homicide with possible intent.” They deny the charges and could face between eight to 25 years in prison if found guilty.
Sebastian Nani, the head of cardiology at the Olivos Clinic, testified that Maradona was a patient who required immense care and was experiencing withdrawal symptoms. The former footballer’s medical care was overseen by his personal physician, Leopoldo Luque, who recommended that Maradona continue his recovery outside of the hospital.
The trial also heard witness testimony from neurosurgeon Rodolfo Benvenuti, who interacted with Maradona before his death. Benvenuti described Maradona’s “difficult” attitude towards treatment and the conflicts between Luque and hospital authorities over who would lead Maradona’s surgery. Benvenuti also stated that Maradona’s relatives and medical team agreed that Luque would intervene whenever Maradona refused treatments or medical attention.
The trial is expected to continue next Tuesday.
Source: https://www.dw.com/en/maradona-was-difficult-high-risk-patient-doctors-say/a-72342624?maca=en-rss-en-all-1573-rdf
