KERALA, (India): A surgery was done to remove the surgical instrument from the abdomen of a 51-year-old woman on Saturday (Feb 21) at a private hospital in Kochi - five years later.
The instrument was left in her abdomen during a hysterectomy at the government Medical College Hospital in Alappuzha in 2021.
Usha Josephukutty, a native of Punnappra in Alappuzha, underwent a surgery at the Amrita hospital in Kochi.
A team of surgeons led by Dr O V Sudheer, Head of Gastric Surgery Department at Amrita Hospital, removed artery forceps from her abdomen.
Dr K V Sanjeevan, Head of Urology Department, and Dr Radhamani K, Head of Gynecology Department, were also in the team.
Since the incident was controversial and a case was registered in the matter, the surgery was performed in the presence of two doctors from Kalamassery government Medical College.
An artery forceps was found inside the abdomen of Punnapra, native Usha Josephkutty, five years after she underwent surgery at Government Medical College Hospital, Vandanam in Alappuzha.
Usha underwent surgery for the removal of a uterine tumour at the medical college on May 2021. She had been suffering from recurring abdominal pain, her relatives said.
Though she approached doctors at the same hospital multiple times, the cause of the pain was not identified.
Following this, Usha recently consulted a doctor, suspecting that the pain was due to a kidney stone, who advised an X-ray examination.
The X-ray reportedly showed an artery forceps, after which doctors at the medical college offered to remove it next week.
However, Usha’s relatives opted for Amrita hospital, Kochi in order to avoid further issues.
Meanwhile, a case was registered against Dr Lalithambika, former head of the gynecology department at the Alappuzha medical college, when Usha underwent surgery for the removal of a uterine tumour in May 2021.
Ambalapuzha police registered the case against the doctor under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) Section 125 (act endangering life or personal safety of others) and Section 125(a) (causing hurt by a negligent act).
The Health Education department had earlier suspended Dr Shahida, who performed the surgery on Usha. However, the case was registered against Dr Lalithambika.
Police said the case was registered based on the complaint received, and that more accused may be added following further investigation.
Meanwhile, a 29-year-old pregnant woman, identified as Noushida of Mezhathur, died on Friday after collapsing during treatment at Pattambi Taluk government Hospital.
Her family has accused the hospital authorities of medical negligence.
Noushida, nine-month pregnant with her third child, was admitted to the Taluk Hospital on Feb 16. She was under observation for labour pain since Feb 19.
On Friday morning, she reportedly developed severe breathing issues and bleeding before collapsing.
Doctors advised transferring her to a private hospital in Ottappalam, but she died before reaching the facility.
Noushida’s relatives alleged that she was not given proper care during her stay and that her condition was ignored until it was too late.
They stated she was admitted without any major health issues. - The Statesman/ANN
