We must resist the impulse to assume that the death of Joan Rivers was due to her age, 81. In fact, she was a vibrant, hardworking comic simultaneously working on two television shows, two online shows, doing frequent stand-up, specials, shopping channel appearances, plus appearing in commercials and documentaries – a dizzying amount of work that would put to shame show business folks half her age. She had a full slate of live stand-up performances in London scheduled for next month. As Sarah Silverman tweeted, “she wasn’t done.”
Rivers went in to a New York City clinic on August 28 for what’s been described as minor surgery on her vocal cords, went into cardiac arrest, was then rushed to Mt. Sinai Hospital and died days later.
What happened?
A full and thorough investigation must happen so that we get the answer.
And in fact, the clinic is now under investigation. At this point no one is accusing it of any wrongdoing as the inquiry is only just beginning to gather the facts. The New York State Health Department says it has opened a “full investigation” into Yorkville Endoscopy Center in New York City, which is automatic and routine after a complication that results in death. Investigators have already visited the clinic, as well they should.
Yorkville Endoscopy is a relatively new clinic, established in 2013 and inspected by the State Health Department prior to opening, as required by law. So far, it has had no complaints or violations regarding the facility.
Why was the surgery performed in a clinic, not a hospital? Were all proper procedures followed? Were all risks fully disclosed to her? Were backup, lifesaving procedures and equipment in place? These and many other questions remain to be answered.
Every surgery has risks of complications. Even the best doctors have patients who suffer from negative outcomes. But when minor surgery results in death, we need to know what went wrong. It’s too late to save the life of the epic, screamingly funny Joan Rivers, but perhaps we can save the next life by understanding this tragedy.
In her final days, Rivers stood for causes she believed in, officiating a gay wedding, and speaking up for the state of Israel. We honor her memory by taking up this cause, demanding accountability and answers as to what happened.
Was her death preventable?
The views and opinions expressed here are those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of Avvo.
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12 comments
mac stands
I was shocked on hearing of her death, but equally shocked that this procedure was done in outpatient clinic settings with an 80 year old female. Too old to operate on throat even if just superficial polyps w/o patient being hospitalized. Unneccesary risk resulting in tragedy.
mary
Maybe you will be one of them just for being so mean and nasty! Have some empathy stone heart,
Bess Moore
let it go!!! She was a vain, mean old woman!! Did she think she'd live forever!!?? Her plastic face will be on display soon! Watch for it!! Anything for a buck!! Let it go!! Real people die everyday!!
Sabrina
My heart go out to melissa and cooper,continueing to keep u both up in my prayers. My fridays nights will never be the same! Nor will I get to enjoy her antics on joan and melissa:joan knows best the love you,joan and cooper shared was one so many people desire to have with their mother and grandmother! She inspired so many and her legacy will forever live on in our hearts! She had me in stiches even when my personal life was in the dumps!I salute her and all the joan rangers that will forever holda special place in my heart forever!
Elnora Johnson
Last summer I broke my leg while working and had to have surgery. The surgery was to set a metal plate and a set of pins. This could have been done in the doctor's office. But because of the numerous medications I take, my orthopedic surgeon decided to have it done in the hospital. As he said "they have everything there in case something goes wrong".
Everything went fine. I believe he made the decision for my safety and for his as well. I don't know what happened to Ms. Rivers. Maybe the possibility of doing this in a hospital had been discussed. That is something the investigation will bring out.
chris Wilkinson
the airway..its just baffling how either could happen but ID be curious to know what they were already under investigation for being a new clinic ..
chris Wilkinson
God rest her soul. To the doc.. medically retired rt here.. do you think she also went into severe bronchospasm as well? I mean the second they knew they had laryngospasm or laryengeal edema wouldn't the propper course of action been to trach or at the very least criched? Seems imprudent to be doing vocal cord procedures with out insuring an airway with an et tube or would there be some reason one wouldnt? Also. Seems like for her to go into full cardiac arrest she was O2 deprived and clearly hypoxic for a very long time, no? Or do you think it was a bad succs / etamodate ratio? Whatever happened clearly emergency procedures were either something they weren't propperly equipped to handle or they freaked and didn't re-establish t
Lisa may
What was wrong with her vocal cords to begin with??? Does anybody know?
Walt
The Joan Rivers case involved surgery on her vocal cords. Depending on the diagnosis the technique used would be an issue. The type of equipment will in all likely been evaluated. The type of anesthetic used will be an issue. In all likelihood they will scrutinize the anesthesia provider and the surgeon. We're they board certified by the American Board of Subspecialties. How many like procedures have both done? Depending on the state, they may require drug testing.(if indicated)
Vocal cord surgery is difficult in that this small is the keeper to allowing air to pass into the lung. If this area is not paralyzed prior to procedure or if the patient is not deeply anesthetized then the patient has the probably of acquiring laryngospasm. In laymen terms the vocal cords shut close and the air passage is close, thus no delivery of oxygen. If they were using a laser, the concentration of oxygen being delivered would have been reduced as to not cause a fire. Scenario: Low oxygen, a patient not paralyzed for procedure, surgery commences- medical instrument touching vocal cords, vocal cord close(laryngospasm)-this no air flow. Depending on the length of time for oxygen deprivation( not allowing oxygen to body organs) such as to the heart will cause decreased perfusion of oxygen to the myocardium. This is termed ischemia. Depending on the duration of ischemia and preexisting coronary artery disease will provide an approximation for when cardiac arrest will occur. Thus in the case scenario decreased oxygen delivery may be cited as the causative factor. Treatment of laryngospasm is succinylcholine or positive pressure. Joan Rivers was an icon and someone to be admired. Many likes her better as you because older. She sure did appear more in control and enjoying life with her daughter. We wish her family peace.
Odair
How beed i can bee charge buy DUI? It's my first time
Odair
Hi ms lisa
melinda pressler
Joan Rivers made the possibilities of being a woman endless & the joys of life, limitless. Her life was a testament to embracing life & acceptance and spreading happiness in the world. I do think elective surgeries for people over 80 should only be done when the quality of life is so disabling that surgery is the only alternative. Yes, an investigation should be carried out into what went wrong. Perhaps, this should also be a reminder that home births have risks that hospital deliveries can best handle.