21 C-Sections in 10 Hours: Assam Doctor’s Record Feat or Risky Marathon?

Morigaon, Assam, September 9, 2025 - A senior gynecologist at Morigaon Civil Hospital in Assam has been issued a show-cause notice after performing 21 emergency lower segment caesarean section (LSCS) surgeries within a span of 10 hours. The district health authorities have raised concerns regarding patient safety and adherence to medical infection protocols.

Dr. Kantheswar Bordoloi, who also serves as the senior medical and health officer at the hospital, conducted the surgeries between 3:40 PM on September 5 and 1:50 AM on September 6. The notice, issued by Additional Deputy Commissioner (Health) Nitisha Bora, requests detailed reports for each case, including information on sterilisation procedures, fetal distress incidents, and neonatal care provided.

According to a study published in Pubmed, typically, a C-section surgery takes about 44.3 minutes to complete on average. Emergency procedures may be expedited and completed in 30 minutes, although preparation and recovery time in the operating room may extend this period. But the rapid pace raises questions about the quality of care provided during these operations.

A cesarean section (C-section) is a surgical procedure used to deliver a baby through incisions made in the mother’s abdomen and uterus. It is commonly performed when a vaginal delivery would put the baby or mother at risk. There are two main types of C-section incisions: the horizontal (or low transverse) incision, made across the lower abdomen just above the pubic area, which is most common due to lower complication rates and faster healing, and the vertical (or classical) incision, made from the navel down to the pubic area, typically used in emergency situations or specific medical conditions. C-sections may be planned in advance (Elective) due to medical indications such as placenta previa, fetal distress, or breech presentation, or they may be performed as emergencies if complications arise during labor.

Dr. Bordoloi has been asked to submit comprehensive reports for each of the 21 surgeries, detailing the circumstances and adherence to medical protocols. The outcome of this inquiry will determine any further actions or consequences.

Authorities are committed to ensuring that patient safety remains a top priority in healthcare settings.

References:

1. Sakae, C., Y. Nakata, S. Inoue, M. Nakatani, H. Tanaka, and T. Kishi. “The Overall and Step-by-Step Duration of Cesarean Section.” Masui. The Japanese Journal of Anesthesiology 49, no. 3 (2000): 303–7. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10734668/.

2. Mathai, M., S. Hofmeyr, and P. Mathai. “A Randomized Clinical Trial of Two Surgical Techniques for Cesarean Section.” International Journal of Gynecology & Obstetrics 64, no. 1 (1999): 39–43. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9926882/.

(Rh/Eth/TL/MSM)