Saudi surgeon dies of heart attack while performing operation

Mahdi Al Emari insisted on working despite stomach pain at Khamis Mushait Hospital in the Asir region

An orthopaedic surgeon died of a heart attack while performing surgery on a patient in south-west Saudi Arabia. Antonie Roberston / The National

An orthopaedic surgeon died of a heart attack while performing surgery on a patient in south-west Saudi Arabia.

Saudi media reported on Sunday that the consultant, Mahdi Al Emari, insisted on performing the operation despite stomach pains at Khamis Mushait Hospital in the Asir region, in the south-west of the kingdom.

Dr Majid Al Shehri, head of the orthopaedic department at the hospital, said medical examinations revealed Al Emari had died of a heart attack.

“Al Emari set an example of sacrifice that a doctor can do until the last moment of his life,” Dr Al Shehri said.

“Despite his severe stomach pains, he insisted on conducting the surgery for the patient. He died while performing his work. He is a work martyr.”