Story perspectives

New Zealander Faces Health Crisis After Istanbul Surgery

2/20/2026

Summary

Story summary

Helen Watson, a Manawatu woman, had a gastric sleeve operation at Medicana clinic in Istanbul and paid about $5,500.
She returned to New Zealand with health issues and fears about her recovery.
Medicana denies surgical errors, saying the procedure met international standards.
Auckland surgeon Dr. Richard Babor notes more overseas-surgery complications and says New Zealand's system is overwhelmed.
Medicana has threatened legal action against Watson for public allegations.

1 of 1

Story summary

Helen Watson, a Manawatu woman, had a gastric sleeve operation at Medicana clinic in Istanbul and paid about $5,500.
She returned to New Zealand with health issues and fears about her recovery.
Medicana denies surgical errors, saying the procedure met international standards.
Auckland surgeon Dr. Richard Babor notes more overseas-surgery complications and says New Zealand's system is overwhelmed.
Medicana has threatened legal action against Watson for public allegations.