Story perspectives

Hospital Investigates Anesthetic Mix-Up After Four Knee Surgeries

8/22/2026

Summary

Story summary

Ascension Saint Thomas Midtown in Nashville administered potassium instead of anesthetic to patients during knee-replacement surgeries.
The mix-up occurred on Aug. 14 and affected four patients, including 72-year-old Glenda Dorton.
Dorton suffered T6 paralysis, and two other patients experienced cardiac arrest and required ventilators.
Hospital CEO Dr. Shubhada Jagasia apologized; Ascension launched an investigation and regulators began separate reviews.

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Story summary

Ascension Saint Thomas Midtown in Nashville administered potassium instead of anesthetic to patients during knee-replacement surgeries.
The mix-up occurred on Aug. 14 and affected four patients, including 72-year-old Glenda Dorton.
Dorton suffered T6 paralysis, and two other patients experienced cardiac arrest and required ventilators.
Hospital CEO Dr. Shubhada Jagasia apologized; Ascension launched an investigation and regulators began separate reviews.