New Zealand Man Finds 40mm Aneurysm Missed by Two Doctors

A Whanganui man discovered a 40mm aneurysm in his own CT scan report after the finding was not brought to his attention by two doctors, according to RNZ. Gerry Leibbrandt later underwent surgery following a treatment journey that lasted nearly a year.

Leibbrandt visited Living Waters Medical in May 2025 because of abdominal pain. An initial CT scan identified a cyst on his kidney, prompting a second scan using contrast dye.

He said the practice did not contact him after the follow-up report became available. About two weeks later, he opened the results through his patient portal.

CT Report Identified a 40mm Aneurysm

At the top of the report was a finding described as “focal aneurysmal dilatation of the left common iliac artery measuring 40mm.” Leibbrandt understood that the result required prompt medical attention.

The common iliac arteries carry blood from the lower aorta towards the pelvis and legs. An aneurysm develops when a weakened section of an artery widens. Some produce pain, while others are found unexpectedly during imaging for a different condition.

The significance of an aneurysm depends on its location, size, symptoms, growth and the patient’s health. Treatment decisions require assessment by a vascular specialist.

Telehealth Doctor Initially Saw Nothing Remarkable

After finding the result, Leibbrandt arranged a telehealth appointment with an Auckland doctor. He said the doctor reviewed the report and initially found nothing remarkable.

Leibbrandt asked him to read it again from the beginning. The conversation went quiet before the doctor returned and said he would refer him to a vascular surgeon.

While waiting for specialist care, Leibbrandt made two trips to an emergency department because of sudden pain. On one occasion, an ultrasound clearly displayed the aneurysm. He recalled the radiologist saying she hoped he would be seen for it soon.

Leibbrandt underwent surgery in June 2026 and was recovering at home when RNZ reported his case.

Complaint First Filed in July 2025

Leibbrandt wrote to Living Waters Medical in July 2025. He asked whether the practice was expected to inform patients when test results were normal or required further action.

The practice initially apologised for taking too long to reply and acknowledged that his experience of communication and follow-up had not been optimal. However, Leibbrandt believed the response did not adequately address how the scan finding had been handled.

He requested a clearer apology and a refund of his appointment fee. The money was eventually returned in July 2026.

The case raises broader questions about how healthcare providers respond to clinical warnings. Similar concerns about recognising risk were identified in the coroner’s findings on Leonard Hewgill’s dementia-care death.

Clinic Accepted Responsibility for Complaint Failings

In a second letter dated July 3, 2026, Living Waters Medical apologised for not responding to the complaint promptly.

The practice acknowledged that the complaint and related actions had not been managed or handed over appropriately by the staff responsible at the time. It said staffing changes had since occurred and accepted responsibility for that failure.

Living Waters Medical did not respond to RNZ’s requests for further comment.

Why Access to Medical Results Matters

Leibbrandt also contacted the Health and Disability Commissioner and asked it to examine what had happened. The HDC said it closed the complaint after he accepted the second apology and indicated that he would not pursue it further.

New Zealand’s Code of Health and Disability Services Consumers’ Rights gives patients the right to effective communication, appropriate standards of care and information about test and procedure results.

Patient portals provide direct access to reports, but patients should not be expected to interpret complex radiology language or determine the urgency of a finding themselves. Digital records still require reliable review, notification and escalation systems.

The importance of dependable electronic health information was also highlighted when the MediMap cyberattack disrupted New Zealand aged-care services and forced providers to use manual medication records.

What Patients Can Do

Anyone waiting for an expected result can contact the clinic that ordered the test and ask whether the report has been reviewed and whether further care is needed. New or severe symptoms should receive prompt medical assessment rather than waiting for a routine appointment.

Leibbrandt said he was not seeking compensation. His concern was ensuring that another patient who did not open or understand their report would not experience the same breakdown in communication.

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