Police launch investigation after Thiruvananthapuram woman claims surgical cloth and cotton were found in wound months after operation
Thiruvananthapuram: Police in Thiruvananthapuram have registered a case against a surgeon at a private hospital following allegations of medical negligence after a patient claimed that a piece of cloth and cotton were left stitched inside her abdomen during surgery.
The complaint was filed by a 47-year-old resident of Menamkulam, who alleged that the surgical material was left inside her abdomen during an appendicitis operation at CSI Mission Hospital in Kazhakkoottam.
Based on her complaint, Kazhakoottam Police Station has registered a case and initiated an investigation. The patient had also approached Pinarayi Vijayan, the Chief Minister of Kerala, and the district medical officer seeking action over the alleged negligence.
Surgery Performed After Appendicitis Diagnosis
According to reports, the woman initially visited the hospital on December 2 with severe abdominal pain. Doctors diagnosed appendicitis and advised immediate surgery.
The appendicitis operation was carried out on December 3, after which the patient remained admitted at the hospital for around ten days before being discharged.
Wound Infection Raised Concerns
The patient later alleged that the surgical wound did not heal properly even after discharge. One portion of the wound reportedly developed an infection, causing persistent discomfort.
As the surgeon who had performed the operation was reportedly on leave at the time, she visited another private hospital for wound dressing and further examination.
Second Procedure Reveals Cloth Fragment
During the examination at the second hospital, doctors reportedly noticed a thread in the wound and advised the patient to return to the hospital where the original surgery had been conducted.
Subsequently, another surgical procedure was carried out, during which a piece of cloth was reportedly removed from the wound.
Hospital Denies Clarity on How Cloth Entered Wound
Hospital authorities stated that it was not clear how the cloth fragment had entered the surgical wound.
Meanwhile, the patient claimed she suffered continuous pain for nearly three months after the initial operation, raising concerns about possible medical negligence.
Treatment Cost Over Rs 1.3 Lakh
According to the complaint, the appendicitis surgery at the Kazhakkoottam hospital cost approximately Rs 1.20 lakh. The patient also spent more than Rs 18,000 on additional treatment following complications.
Police have registered the case and are currently conducting a detailed investigation into the allegations of negligence. Authorities said further action will be taken based on the findings of the probe.
