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Surgical Forceps Left Inside Patient for Years
20 Feb
Summary
- A surgical forceps was found in a woman's abdomen years after surgery.
- The patient suffered prolonged abdominal pain dismissed by doctors.
- A recent X-ray revealed the instrument, prompting an inquiry.
An investigation is underway following the discovery of a surgical artery forceps inside a woman's abdomen, which had been left there since a 2021 surgery at the Government Medical College Hospital in Alappuzha. The patient, Usha Joseph, had undergone a fibroid removal procedure. She experienced persistent abdominal pain and discomfort, but hospital staff allegedly dismissed her concerns over an extended period.
Her son, Shibin, sought external medical advice for his mother's ongoing pain. An X-ray examination, performed recently, revealed the presence of the surgical instrument, leading to a formal inquiry ordered by Kerala's Health Minister Veena George. The hospital authorities initially agreed to remove the forceps, but the family opted for a private hospital in Ernakulam.
Allegations have been raised against a retired surgeon, Dr. Lalithambika, who has denied responsibility, stating the surgery occurred during her superannuation period and amidst COVID-19 duties. Minister George has refuted this, emphasizing the doctor's oversight responsibility and labeling the incident as "clear criminal negligence," with a police probe deemed inevitable. The government is also considering an anti-corruption investigation into potential violations of private practice rules by hospital doctors.
