Injuries would have been caused by plastic surgery | Photo: Personal Archive
The City of Belo Horizonte (PBH) confirmed the presence of a fast-growing non-tuberculous mycobacteria in the clinic where dentist Camila Groppo performed plastic surgeries in the center of BH. According to the Municipal Health Department, 16 cases have already been reported. The information was passed on to the THE TIME this Friday morning (March 29). The situation is investigated by the Public Ministry of Minas Gerais (MPMG) and the Civil Police.
According to the ministry, “it is worth noting that the relationship between the cases constitutes an outbreak”. The situation began to be investigated after Whistleblowers came together in a WhatsApp group to share their stories. The dentist’s defense states, however, “that contamination by bacteria can have different causes, and each allegation of these alleged victims must be analyzed individually.” See the full note at the end of the article.
The procedures were carried out in December 2023, but, to this day, women suffer from the consequences of the outbreak. According to PBH, Infection with this mycobacteria can lead to serious conditionswith the formation of abscesses (pus deposits), and treatment includes surgical procedures and long-term use of antimicrobials.
The clinic was inspected on March 11 and was closed. The establishment presented irregularities “that put the health of patients at risk”. Failure to comply with the municipal order will result in a fine of up to R$9,979.53. In addition, owners may face civil-public proceedings.
Self-employed person reports experience
Self-employed Juliana Moraes Fernandes, 40 years old, is one of the complainants. She said that there are even women hospitalized for treatment with intravenous medication. “It is a heavy treatment, which can affect the liver and kidneys”, highlighted Juliana. The self-employed woman is still awaiting the results of her exam to begin her treatment. Since the end of last year, she has already undergone four drainage procedures (removal of pus) at the Odilon Behrens Hospital. Confirmation of the outbreak brings a mix of relief and concern. “I have a ten-year-old son, I don’t know what I will do if I need to be hospitalized. We were hoping for a situation that would allow for calmer treatment,” she said.
Despite all the difficulties, Juliana thanks the professionals who helped with her recovery. “There are good professionals, who really want our good. Doctor Matheus Bastos is part of the oral and maxillofacial surgery team and he attended to me every time I needed it. I don’t know yet if I will need surgery, but when I arrived at the hospital his face was deformed”, he concluded.
What dentist Camila Gruppo’s defense says
“The defense, through lawyers Vinícius before the bodies, by taking courses after graduating from 5 (five) years of college, which are duly recognized by the MEC, in accordance with Law 5,081/66.
It is worth noting that the courses are considered postgraduate, and accepted by the class council as proof of technical capacity to perform double chin liposuction, which is a procedure already established in the practice of dentistry since 2019.
Regarding the only case of mycobacteriosis confirmed by the Department of Health, it reiterates that contamination by bacteria can have different causes, and each allegation of these alleged victims must be analyzed individually without any value judgment or anticipated condemnation.
Dr. Camila Groppo has been subjected to a series of speculations, without, however, having reached any conclusion from the relevant bodies regarding the facts. It is important to remember that the presumption of innocence and respect for the chance to present one’s defense prevail in Brazilian law.
Finally, we emphasize that the professional, at all times, was and is available to the bodies, collaborating with the investigations. It is important to state that there is an ongoing investigation, without any conclusion!
Camila is a duly qualified dental surgeon, mother of a 4-month-old child and who, at no time, shied away from any obligation imposed on her as a health professional and citizen.”
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