Hospital Responds to Negligence Claims
Coimbatore Medical College Hospital (CMCH) has strongly denied allegations that surgical staples were left inside a patient’s forearm following fracture surgery in 2023. The clarification comes after the patient accused doctors of medical negligence.
Road Accident Led to Surgery
The patient, a 42-year-old electrician from Kangeyam in Tiruppur district, sustained injuries in 2023 after falling from his two-wheeler while travelling from Kangeyam to Alamabadi. He suffered a fracture in his right forearm and was admitted to the government medical college hospital in Coimbatore for treatment.
Persistent Pain Raises Concerns
Months after undergoing surgery, the patient reportedly continued to experience severe pain at the surgical site. Seeking further evaluation, he approached Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER), where doctors allegedly detected a surgical staple embedded in the bone and advised corrective surgery.
Allegations of Retained Staples
The patient claimed that more than ten staples remained inside his forearm after the initial procedure. He stated that an X-ray taken four months ago showed two staples, while staples placed externally on the skin had gradually fallen off over time.
Hospital Details Extent of Injuries
According to hospital sources quoted by The Hindu, the patient was admitted on October 16, 2023, with a head injury and fractures of both bones in the right forearm, along with significant soft tissue loss and exposed bone following a road traffic accident.
Complex Surgical Procedure Performed
Doctors first treated the frontal bone fracture and provided supportive care. The forearm fractures were stabilised using plates and screws. Due to extensive soft tissue damage, a skin graft was performed along with orthopaedic fixation. Surgical staples were used to secure the skin graft in place.
Follow-Up and Removal of Implants
The patient was discharged on November 10, 2023, at his request. He later returned on April 28, 2025, with complaints of discharge from the forearm. After evaluation, the plates and screws were removed on May 7, 2025.
CMCH Clarifies Position
The hospital maintained that staples used during the skin graft procedure were intentionally left in place, as surgical exploration to remove them could risk wound dehiscence. CMCH has denied any negligence and asserted that the treatment was carried out in accordance with standard medical protocols.
