Doctors from an Austrian hospital that amputated an elderly man’s wrong leg, will now have to correct the error by removing the right one.

An 82-year-old man had his wrong leg amputated by surgeons in the Freistadt Hospital located in the town of Freistadt in the Austrian state of Upper Austria due to a “tragic mistake” according to an announcement by the hospital officials on Thursday (20th May).

The OAP who was not named had both legs affected by complications because of several illnesses he was suffering of, but doctors estimated that an amputation for his left leg from mid-thigh was urgent.

However, two days after his surgery took place on Tuesday (18th May) nurses discovered that the man’s wrong leg was amputated during regular bandage change procedures.

It was later revealed that the error occurred shortly before the operation because surgeons marked up the wrong limb before heading to the OR.

Prim Dr Norbert Fritsch and director of the Freistadt Hospital said in a press conference that “a chain of unfortunate circumstances” was the reason behind the error on Thursday 20th May.

He added: We are deeply affected. As far as we know, the mix-up happened shortly before the operation before the wrong leg was marked.”

A detailed investigation involving the Upper Austrian Health Holding (OOG) and the Public Prosecutor was promised to take place.

A press release by the OOG said: “We guarantee that we will do everything in our power to to clarify the case and to review and question all internal processes. The necessary steps will be initiated immediately. We will also ensure transparent communication.”

It was also reported that the attending surgeon who performed the operation has been currently released from duty at her own request.

The patient and his relatives have been offered psychological help before the other operation which “is planned shortly” according to the OOG.