In a very disturbing episode in Thiruvananthapuram, a 31-year-old female patient had multiple fingers and toes amputated after a septic infection set in after a cosmetic surgery procedure.
Simple fat reduction becomes a medical nightmare.
Ms. Neethu, a software professional from Sreevaraham in Muttathara, went to a cosmetic clinic in Arasummoodu, Kazhakoottam, for an operation to excise fat from her lower belly. The operation, conducted at the "cosmetic hospital" on February 22, turned out to be ordinary until complications turned grave.
She was sent home the following day, but hours after getting home, Neethu was extremely fatigued. She told the doctor, who told her to have salty porridge and water. But when her condition worsened later at night, her family brought her to the clinic on February 24.
Cardiac arrest, ICU stay, and multiple surgeries
Upon examination, the clinic indicated low blood pressure and other complications. Without consulting her family, the resident doctor, who is Dr.Shenal Shashankan, had her shifted to another private hospital in the city.
Shortly thereafter, Neethu supposedly suffered a heart attack and was taken to the ICU. The doctors found that her internal organs were fighting a severe infection, requiring instant life support in the form of 21 days on a ventilator and dialysis.
As the complications worsened, a clogged artery in her left leg deprived her of blood supply to her feet. Four fingers of her left hand and all five toes of her left foot were, therefore, surgically removed.
Family files complaint, clinic faces closure
Neethu's husband, Padmajith, lodged a proper complaint with the city police commissioner. Thumba police filed a case against the clinic and its senior practitioner, Dr. Shashankan, based on this. Later, the authorities discovered that the clinic had no valid medical establishment license to run.
Closure notice has now been sent to the clinic. Apart from that, Kazhakoottam Assistant Commissioner J.K. Dinill wrote to the District Medical Officer, asking for a medical board to be set up in order to thoroughly investigate the incident.
Mounting Medical Bills and a Long Road Ahead
As per Neethu's family, her treatment has already cost them nearly Rs 10 lakh. Now, as they nurse her back to health, they are demanding accountability, rightful compensation, and a guarantee that others won't suffer from such medical malpractices.
(Input from various sources)
(Rehash/Muhammad Faisal Arshad/MSM)
