Ningbo University Affiliated Women and Children’s Hospital, referred to as the “Women and Children’s Hospital,” has seen a new development in the case of the child “Xiao Luoxi” who passed away after surgery. On February 5th, the Ningbo City investigation team announced the investigation results as a “Grade A major medical accident with the main surgeon having their license revoked.” However, some netizens believe that the official report is downplaying the severity of the incident.
On November 14th last year, the premature infant Xiao Luoxi, five months old, tragically passed away after heart surgery at the Ningbo University Affiliated Women and Children’s Hospital. The mother, Deng Rongrong, publicly reported on social media, questioning the surgeon’s erroneous preoperative assessment. Parents were informed before the surgery that the procedure would last between 2.5 to 3 hours, but it actually took about 7 hours. After the surgery, the child was transferred to the ICU and died despite rescue efforts. Subsequently, Xiao Luoxi’s parents continued to seek the truth behind their child’s death, with other parents voicing their support online. However, related content was heavily censored. The “Xiao Luoxi incident” sparked widespread doubts about China’s medical quality and doctor-patient relationships across social media.
Under strong public pressure, the Ningbo Municipal Health Commission announced the establishment of an investigation team.
According to the latest report, the patient Xu was admitted to the Women and Children’s Hospital on November 11, 2025, diagnosed with a mixed-type atrial septal defect, absent coronary sinus syndrome, and pulmonary hypertension. Surgery was performed on November 14th, and the patient experienced changes in cardiac and respiratory function postoperatively, leading to clinical death announced at 10:03 pm.
The investigation concluded that the preoperative assessment was inadequate; the timing and approach of the surgery were inappropriate; there were errors during the surgery leading to a second atrial septal defect repair, prolonged surgery time; handling of sudden complications and timely notice were lacking; there was a lack of proper prediction, understanding, and monitoring of the severity of the patient’s condition and changes post-surgery. The medical team’s negligence directly contributed to the patient’s death from heart failure and respiratory dysfunction.
This incident falls under a Grade A major medical accident, with the medical team bearing the primary responsibility. Both the medical team and the patient parties have signed and confirmed the assessment conclusion.
Additionally, the investigation team identified shortcomings and issues within the medical team that require action. In accordance with relevant laws and regulations, the Women and Children’s Hospital has relieved Chief Surgeon Chen of his duties as director of the Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, and Anesthesiologist Yan of her duties as director of the Anesthesia Department; the Municipal Health Commission revoked Dr. Chen’s medical license, suspended PICU physician Dong’s practice for 6 months, and issued warnings, fines, to Chen, Dong, and Yan.
The Women and Children’s Hospital was criticized for insufficient medical quality and safety management systems, inadequate implementation of work mechanisms, weak awareness and capabilities in medical risk prevention and emergency response, and poor doctor-patient communication. Party Secretary Chen was issued a warning, Hospital Director Chen was given a serious warning and dismissed, and Vice President Zheng was dismissed.
The incident continues to receive attention and discussion from mainland Chinese netizens. The release of the investigation results has reignited the topic, sparking debates.
“Digi Jiahao”: Although there’s a result, many will find it hard to find closure.
“Shi Da Writer”: Responsible individuals still need to be sentenced.
Some netizens believe that the official report is downplaying the severity of the incident, questioning the necessity of the surgery in the first place.
“Your smile-like Snickers”: If the surgery wasn’t performed, the child wouldn’t have died.
“Yuyu2016” also suggests that Xiao Luoxi’s growth and development were satisfactory, and regular follow-ups could have been sufficient without surgery. The hospital should bear full responsibility, not just the main responsibility. They await a criminal judgment.
“Qinyi Xu Banxia”: Xiao Luoxi’s life and diet were not adversely affected prior to the surgery, and they could have improved with time. Surgeon Chen acted selfishly, and only he knows why the surgery was deemed necessary.