Surgeon had malpractice suits, 2 DUIs

LOS ANGELES (AP) — The plastic surgeon who reportedly operated on Kanye West’s mother before she died had two malpractice suits filed against him that ended in payouts and was arrested twice for driving under the influence, according to medical board records.

The Medical Board of California is investigating whether the license of Dr. Jan Adams should be revoked or suspended after he was arrested twice in the past four years for the alcohol-related offenses, the records say.

Adams told celebrity Web site TMZ that he performed a tummy tuck and breast reduction on Donda West before she died Saturday night at age 58. Adams said she might have died from a heart attack, pulmonary embolism, or massive vomiting.

Preliminary information suggested West died from complications of surgery, said county coroner spokesman Lt. Fred Corral. An autopsy was expected to be conducted by Wednesday.

In a 2006 case, Adams was found guilty of driving with a blood-alcohol level of 0.08 or greater, and he pleaded no contest in 2003 to driving under the influence, according to the medical records.

They also indicate that in 2001, two malpractice lawsuits against Adams ended in payouts of $217,337 and $250,000. Further details were not disclosed.

Adams could not be reached for comment.

West died at Centinela Freeman Regional Medical Center in Marina del Rey after she stopped breathing at her home, according to Deborah Ettinger, a hospital vice president. She was taken to the hospital by paramedics.