Kerala Woman Has Surgery To Remove Surgical Tool Left Inside Her Abdomen For 5 Years

An artery forceps was found inside a woman's abdomen 5 years after surgery, leading to an investigation in Kerala. This is a serious medical error.
By Newsroom | Health, India |

A serious medical concern has emerged in Kerala, where a surgical instrument was found inside a woman's abdomen five years after she underwent a procedure. The discovery has led to widespread concern and prompted an official inquiry into potential medical negligence. The affected woman has now undergone surgery to remove the foreign object.

The incident involves a 51-year-old woman from Punnapra who experienced recurring abdominal pain for years after a hysterectomy. The surgery was performed at Alappuzha Government Medical College hospital approximately five years ago. For a significant period, her pain was attributed to other causes, such as kidney stones. The presence of an artery forceps was only revealed recently after she underwent an X-ray examination.

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Timeline and Key Events

The sequence of events leading to the discovery and subsequent action includes:

  • Five Years Ago: The woman undergoes a hysterectomy at Alappuzha Medical College.

  • Post-Surgery: She begins experiencing recurring abdominal discomfort. Medical professionals initially attribute the pain to conditions like kidney stones and prescribe medication.

  • Recent Weeks: The woman consults a urologist at a private facility. An X-ray examination reveals the presence of a surgical instrument in her abdomen.

  • Current Action: The woman has been admitted to a private hospital in Kochi, where the artery forceps has been surgically removed.

  • Official Response: The state government has ordered an inquiry into the matter. Expert doctors from Kottayam and Thiruvananthapuram Medical Colleges have been deputed to Alappuzha Medical College to assist with the investigation. The Director of Medical Education had previously suspended one individual.

Allegations and Denials

The family of the woman has raised allegations regarding the surgical error. In response, Dr. Lalithambika, a retired surgeon at Alappuzha Medical College, who was named in the allegations, has denied performing the procedure.

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"The doctor claimed that she does not remember the patient but is sure she would not conduct the surgery. Also, the surgery happened during the COVID period, and I was engaged with it."

The doctor has also denied allegations of taking money from patients before surgery, stating:

"You can ask any patient I attended."

The precise identity of the surgical team involved in the original operation remains a focus of the ongoing investigation.

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Official Reaction and Patient Care

Kerala Health Minister Veena George has acknowledged the seriousness of the situation, describing the discovery as a "serious lapse." She has assured that the government will ensure appropriate treatment for the victim and emphasized the need for compensation.

  • The government is committed to the victim's care.

  • An expert committee has been formed to examine hospital records and protocols.

  • The recovered surgical instrument has been handed over to the Ambalappuzha police.

Expert Committee and Inquiry

A four-member expert committee has been constituted to investigate the circumstances. This committee is tasked with reviewing hospital records and established protocols to understand how the instrument was left behind.

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  • Expert doctors from Kottayam and Thiruvananthapuram Medical Colleges are part of the inquiry team.

  • The inquiry aims to identify any systemic failures or individual accountability.

Broader Implications

This case has brought renewed attention to patient safety and accountability within government healthcare facilities in Kerala.

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  • There are calls for stricter protocols and enhanced transparency in surgical procedures.

  • The incident highlights the potential consequences of medical errors and the importance of timely diagnosis of complications.

Conclusion

The removal of the surgical instrument marks a critical step in the woman's recovery. However, the comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the five-year retention of the foreign object is ongoing. The findings are expected to shed light on the systemic issues, if any, that contributed to this prolonged medical oversight. The government's assurance of treatment and compensation underscores the commitment to addressing the patient's well-being and ensuring accountability.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What happened to the woman in Kerala who had surgery 5 years ago?
An artery forceps, a surgical tool, was found inside a 51-year-old woman's abdomen 5 years after she had a hysterectomy. She has now had surgery to remove it.
Q: Why was the surgical tool found inside the woman's abdomen in Kerala?
The tool was left inside her abdomen after a hysterectomy surgery at Alappuzha Government Medical College hospital about 5 years ago. She had pain for years, but it was thought to be other issues.
Q: What is being done about the surgical tool found in the woman's abdomen in Kerala?
The Kerala government has ordered an investigation into the incident. Expert doctors are looking into the case, and the recovered tool has been given to the police.
Q: What did the Kerala Health Minister say about the surgical tool found in the woman's abdomen?
The Health Minister called it a 'serious lapse' and promised the woman will get proper treatment and compensation. An expert committee is also reviewing hospital records.
Q: Has anyone denied involvement in the surgical tool case in Kerala?
Yes, a retired surgeon named Dr. Lalithambika, who was named in allegations, denied performing the surgery and stated she would not make such a mistake.