Two surgeons have been permanently banned from practicing medicine following the death of Belgian-Israeli billionaire Ehud Arye Laniado during a penis enlargement procedure in Paris.
Ehud, 65, a diamond dealer and owner of Omega Diamonds, died of a heart attack while undergoing the procedure at the Saint-Honore-Ponthieu aesthetic clinic. The surgery was performed outside regular hours, and Ehud reportedly received injections to enlarge his penis multiple times a year, with procedures costing tens of thousands of euros.
Parisian authorities initially opened an investigation into potential manslaughter, but charges were later adjusted to failing to assist a person in danger, drug offences, and practicing medicine without a licence.
On Wednesday, a Paris court suspended the licence of the primary surgeon, known as Guy H, and sentenced him to 15 months in prison. The assistant surgeon on duty at the time received a 12-month suspended sentence. Both are permanently banned from practicing medicine and ordered to pay fines of €50,000 (£43,323) and €20,000 (£17,329) respectively.
Investigators noted that while the injections were not the cause of death, there were concerns over delays in seeking emergency assistance. The first call for help was made at 8 p.m., followed by a second call to the fire department two hours later. Ehud had reportedly complained of abdominal pain during the procedure. Attempts at CPR were unsuccessful.
The case has drawn attention to the high-pressure environment of elite cosmetic surgery, where practitioners are known to bend rules to accommodate wealthy clients. One unnamed Parisian surgeon noted that while the circumstances were shocking, such risks are not uncommon in clinics catering to high-profile patients.
