Taiwan man dies after $13,300 'penis enlargement' surgery

Police have detained the surgeon, who was previously convicted of manslaughter in another surgery case.

The man had checked into a medical aesthetics clinic on Jinzhou Street in Taipei’s Zhongshan district on the morning of Sept. 17 for what was described as a "penis enlargement surgery." He was put under anesthesia around 9 a.m., and the procedure concluded shortly before noon, Mothership reported.

He remained at the clinic for recovery, but when staff checked on him at around 7 p.m., they found that he was not breathing and had no pulse. An ambulance was immediately called, but paramedics pronounced him dead upon arrival, TVBS reported.

The sudden death shocked his family, who rushed to the clinic after being notified. His sister reportedly confronted staff, questioning whether the doctor had followed standard safety procedures and whether the facility was adequately equipped for such an operation.

Police have since detained the surgeon in charge, identified by his surname Ding, and summoned a nurse for questioning. An autopsy will be conducted to determine the precise cause of death.

The case has stirred widespread attention in Taiwan due to Ding’s controversial past. Local media reported that he has been involved in multiple cosmetic surgery disputes, including a previous incident in which a patient died following a penile implant surgery. Ding was convicted of manslaughter in that case.

He has also faced lawsuits from female patients over complications arising from breast augmentation surgeries, as well as allegations of fraud and sexual harassment. Several of these cases were reportedly resolved through settlements. Ding has even changed his name at least twice, further fueling suspicions among critics.