A Belgian-Israeli billionaire, Ehud Arye Laniado, tragically died during a controversial penis enlargement surgery.
The 65-year-old had been receiving treatments to enlarge his manhood at the Saint-Honore-Ponthieu clinic.
These treatments, which included injections, had been a regular part of his life, with the diamond dealer undergoing similar procedures two to four times a year, The Mirror reported.
The surgeries were conducted by Guy H, a surgeon who was known to operate outside office hours and lacked proper licensure.
In 2019, Laniado suddenly passed away during one of these procedures, and this prompted an investigation.
Initial inquiries suggested that the injections were not directly responsible for his death. Instead, further investigation pointed to potential issues with the surgeon's actions after the procedure.
The medical team failed to act promptly when Laniado experienced a cardiac incident. The first emergency call was made at 8PM, two hours before another call to the fire department.
Despite attempts by the surgeon to perform CPR, Laniado was unable to be revived. The incident ultimately led to charges against the surgeon for failing to assist a person in danger, drug offenses, and practicing medicine without a license.
In a Paris courtroom, Guy H was sentenced to 15 months in prison, and his medical license was suspended. His colleague, who had been covering for him, received a 12-month suspended sentence.
According to Le Parisien, both were ordered to pay significant fines: €50,000 for Guy H and €20,000 for his associate.
Surgeons' Defense and Criticism of the Procedure
The surgeon’s defense team argued that the heart attack that caused Laniado’s death could have occurred anywhere.
Lawyer Martin Reynaud stated, “This cardiac incident could have happened anywhere, even in a pizzeria. Would the pizza maker have been prosecuted in that case?”
However, some unnamed medical professionals have voiced concerns that such incidents are not uncommon in this high-risk corner of cosmetic surgery, where rules are often bent for wealthy clientele seeking unregulated procedures.
A source close to the investigation told Le Parisien that this particular clinic, known for its prestigious reputation, often skirted regulations, which may have contributed to the negligence surrounding Laniado’s death.
"This will still cause a stir in a clinic that relies on its name, its techniques, and where the entire family works. But this affair will surprise no one; in these upper echelons of cosmetic surgery, they often bend the rules," they said.
The Rise of Risky "Cures" for Male Erectile Dysfunction
The tragic death of Laniado brings attention to the growing trend of risky treatments for male enhancement.
This trend is part of a wider surge in men seeking alternative methods to combat erectile dysfunction (ED) without consulting medical professionals.
As of 2024, approximately 4.3 million men in the UK suffer from ED, but a reluctance to seek professional help has led many to turn to questionable online remedies.
Per MedExpress, viral trends promoting home remedies for erectile dysfunction, such as drinking diluted apple cider vinegar or mixing baking soda with water, have been shared on social media.
Medical experts, including Dr. Zoë Lees, PhD in Metabolic Medicine, have warned that these so-called “cures” lack scientific backing and could have dangerous effects on health.
Dr. Lees stressed: “There is no evidence indicating any benefit on sexual health. Therefore, while consuming small amounts of diluted apple cider vinegar is generally considered safe, it is not a medical treatment for erectile dysfunction.”
Experts like Dr. Lees continue to advocate for evidence-based treatments, such as prescription medications and lifestyle changes, to manage ED.
These include losing weight, quitting smoking, reducing alcohol consumption, and managing stress.
Dr. Lees also pointed to the dangers of poor dietary habits and smoking, both of which are major contributors to erectile dysfunction and heart disease.