A Dublin plastic surgeon told the High Court he could not assess and talk to a patient about the complexities of a breast reduction operation in five minutes. Ms Veronica Dunleavy (53), from Newbridge, Co Kildare, is suing the surgeon, Mr Seamus O Riain.
Ms Dunleavy told Mr Justice Moriarty she felt mutilated after Mr O Riain operated on her in 1984 to reduce the size of her breasts.
Mr O Riain yesterday disputed Ms Dunleavy's claim that her first consultation with him lasted five minutes and not 20 to 30 minutes: "I would spend between 20 to 30 minutes on the first interview with a patient seeking a breast reduction."
Asked by Mr Jack Fitzgerald SC, for Mr O Riain, if it would be correct practice to proceed with an operation using the "McKissock" procedure if a consultation had not taken place, Mr O Riain said: "Absolutely not."
He said Ms Dunleavy was 41 when he met her. She had multiple cysts on her breasts, which were very heavy. After examining her, he decided she was suitable for a "McKissock" reduction. It was, he said, essential that Ms Dunleavy had some idea of what was involved in the operation. He had to be certain that her motivation was enough to warrant it.
He would also emphasise that the procedures were fraught with or liable to complications and that the patient might be unhappy with the result. He would detail the possible complications and that a further operation might be necessary. He made it clear to Ms Dunleavy there would be scars following the operation.
At the end of the interview he would ask patients seeking a breast reduction if they had any questions.
Ms Dunleavy's husband, Mr Karl Dunleavy, said he was horrified when he saw his wife's breasts in October 1984, six months after the operation.
His wife was still very tender as a result of the operation and pushed their children away when they went to hug her, he said.
Mr Dunleavy, who runs his own business in Newbridge, said his wife was a private person. The operation had affected her more physically than emotionally. "She tries to get on with her life and ignore it but it is always there," he said.
Earlier Mr Bryan Mayou, a London plastic surgeon, said in that his opinion the operation had been "a disaster". He was giving evidence on behalf of Ms Dunleavy.
Mr Mayou said Mr O Riain had taken out too much breast tissue. Ms Dunleavy had not wanted small breasts, she had wanted breasts which would be more comfortable. The hearing continues today.