Gene Kapacila who had expected to live into his 90's, believed his life was cut short by a medical procedure in Saskatoon. (Submitted/ Jan Kapacila)

By Nigel Maxwell

Health

‘They took everything away from him’: Prince Albert family calls for answers following botched operation

Dec 16, 2022 | 5:00 PM

Jan Kapacila firmly believes her father Gene would still be alive had it not been for a botched procedure in Saskatoon just over a year ago.

Agreeing to meet with paNOW, she wiped away tears when discussing the final moments holding her father’s hand.

“My dad and I were really close and I want some explanation from the Saskatchewan Health Authority, from St. Paul’s Hospital, from the radiology team, from Quality of Care,” she explained.

In 2016, Gene Kapacila, a well-respected member of the local business community, was diagnosed with cancer and on Nov. 10, 2021, went into Saskatoon’s St. Paul’s Hospital for a procedure called an ablation on his right lung.

The routine procedure was supposed to take maybe 10-15 minutes and involved a probe being inserted into the lung through a small incision, and then being heated inside the lung to burn out a tumor.

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The procedure was decided upon because of Gene’s age (86) and the fact he had a pacemaker. Despite his previous apprehensions about the health care system, Kapacila went in of his own accord.

During the procedure, however, the medical machine displayed error messages and while staff were trying to correct it, a piece of the probe fell off inside Gene’s lung, burning healthy tissue and causing punctures.

A four-hour emergency surgery was then required which occurred the following day and involved a surgeon removing a large portion of Gene’s lung, damaged by the earlier procedure. Jan explained her father never fully recovered from that surgery.

“They took everything away from him after that surgery. He lost his independence, he lost his ability to look after himself without someone checking on him daily. He couldn’t figure out his pills anymore,” she explained, adding her father was also very upset he could no longer paint, or even care for his beloved cat.

A picture taken on Gene’s 87th birthday last June. (Submitted/ Jan Kapacila)

On Nov. 11, 2021, Kapacila and her sister reported the incident to Quality Care who confirmed the following month they were investigating. Then roughly six months later, the family received a letter from Shane Timm, director of Medical Imaging and Nuclear Medical Services. In the letter, that Kapacila shared with paNOW, Timm confirmed a review was performed by the clinical care team into the setup and utilization of the probe.

“We are confident that the device was used as intended and within appropriate guidelines,” he wrote.

While also expressing his condolences to the family, Timm advised that the manufacturer, the SHA, and Health Canada had been advised of the device failure.

“Unfortunately, we cannot change what has happened but want to assure you we take this matter very seriously,” he stated.

For Kapacila, that was her final contact with the health authority and Gene passed away last October. Adding to her frustrations was that no in-person meeting was ever held with the family.

“No family should be treated the way my father and our family have been treated by the Saskatoon Health Region and the SHA,” she said.

Prior to his passing, Gene Kapacila was suing for pain and suffering but the case was closed when he died. Acknowledging her plans to contact the College of Physicians and Surgeons and possibly seek legal advice, Kapacila said it’s not about the money.

“Money doesn’t bring my father back but maybe something could be done so no other family has to experience this,” she said.

One of Gene’s passions was painting. (Submitted photo/ Jan Kapacila)

Gene Kapacila’s wife remains in long-term care and Jan noted when her father lost his driver’s license he was also unable to visit her. Up until his surgery, he had gone to see her daily and just prior to his passing, they had celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary.

In addition to also reaching out to the provincial ombudsmen, the family has also issued a letter to Prince Albert Carlton MLA Joe Hargrave. Like many in the community, Hargrave knew Gene Kapacila well, and he confirmed for paNOW he had been in contact with the Ministry of Health.

“I have spoken with them and I know they’re looking into it as we speak and I’m anxious to find out what happened,” he said.

In a statement provided by the SHA, they confirm due to patient privacy concerns, they are unable to speak to any specific patient case or provide any details.

“As always, we take all concerns from patients and their family members regarding their health-care experience very seriously,” the statement said.

“Those who may have concerns are encouraged to contact our Client Concerns Specialists. Through this patient-centered service, we can work with the patient and their family members through a respectful and confidential process to find out how we can help.”

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nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell