Karnataka Woman Left With Surgical Mop After C-Section, Husband Alleges Medical Negligence

In a distressing case of alleged medical negligence, a physician at a private hospital in Puttur, Karnataka, is facing accusations for leaving a surgical mop inside a woman's abdomen following a Cesarean section (C-section) performed in November 2024. This negligence resulted in serious health complications for the patient, including emergency surgery to remove the foreign object.

The incident came to light when the patient's husband shared their experience on the social media site X (formerly Twitter). He explained that his wife had a C-section on November 27, 2024, and was sent home on December 2. However, within a week, she developed a high fever and an unusual sensation on one side of her abdomen. Concerned, the couple requested an ultrasound scan, which revealed a 10 cm mass. Dismissing their concerns, the on-duty doctor attributed the mass to a hematoma (a blood accumulation) rather than a foreign body. The doctor also ignored their request for a CT scan, reassuring them that the condition would resolve on its own.

As time passed, the patient's health deteriorated. She began experiencing severe pain in her wrists, legs, and joints, preventing her from walking, standing, or even holding her newborn baby to feed. Follow-up ultrasounds showed no reduction in the mass. Eventually, a CT scan at a different hospital diagnosed her with a retained surgical mop, a condition medically known as "gossypiboma." By that time, the infection had spread to her lungs, blood, and other organs, severely endangering her life.

When questioned, the surgeon who performed the C-section reportedly avoided taking responsibility for the mistake. On January 25, 2025, the patient underwent emergency surgery at another private hospital in Puttur to remove the surgical mop. She was discharged on February 15 but continues to suffer from health issues and remains on medication. The ordeal has also deprived her of the ability to breastfeed her infant.

Following the allegations, Dakshina Kannada District Health and Family Welfare Officer Dr. Thimmaiah H.R. has ordered a detailed probe into the incident. A six-member team of officials and physicians has been assigned to investigate the case, with a report expected within a week. The findings will be submitted to the Principal Secretary of Health and Family Welfare for further action. ^[1]

This case underscores the critical importance of stringent surgical protocols to prevent such occurrences. Retained surgical objects, such as sponges or mops, can lead to severe infections, prolonged hospitalization, and even fatalities. Research indicates that emergency procedures, unplanned surgical changes, and poor communication among surgical teams are common contributors to such errors.

In India, cases of medical negligence fall under both civil and criminal law. Patients have the right to seek compensation through consumer courts and may also initiate criminal proceedings against medical professionals in cases of gross negligence. The Supreme Court of India has emphasized that while not all medical errors constitute criminal negligence, acts displaying gross incompetence or disregard for patient safety can result in criminal liability. ^[2]

The affected family has reportedly lodged a complaint on the National Consumer Grievance portal and with the Department of Consumer Affairs, seeking redress for the physical, emotional, and financial harm caused by this incident. As the investigation continues, it is essential for healthcare institutions to enforce strict compliance with surgical safety guidelines to prevent such serious errors in the future.

Following the allegations, Dakshina Kannada District Health and Family Welfare Officer Dr. Thimmaiah H.R. has ordered a detailed probe into the incident. A six-member team of officials and physicians has been formed to investigate the incident, with a report to be submitted within a week. The report will be sent to the Principal Secretary of Health and Family Welfare for action.^[3]

This case highlights the extreme significance of rigorous surgical procedures to avoid such occurrences. Retained surgical objects, like sponges or mops, may cause serious infections, extended hospitalisation, and even death. Research has shown that emergency procedures, unplanned procedure changes, and poor communication between surgical teams are frequent reasons for such errors.^[4]

In India, cases of medical negligence are dealt with under both civil and criminal law. Patients have the option of seeking compensation via consumer courts as well as instituting criminal proceedings against the liable medical professionals in the event of gross negligence. The Supreme Court of India has highlighted that whereas all medical errors are not necessarily criminal negligence, acts demonstrating gross incompetence or negligence regarding patient safety can invoke criminal liability.

The family that has been impacted has allegedly lodged a complaint on the National Consumer Grievance portal and with the Department of Consumer Affairs, requesting redressal for the physical, emotional, and financial damage this incident has caused. As the investigation continues, it is crucial for healthcare institutions to ensure strict compliance with surgical safety guidelines to avoid such serious mistakes in the future.

References

1. JAMA Network. "Retained Surgical Items: Risk Factors and Prevention Strategies." JAMA Surgery, n.d. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamasurgery/fullarticle/406190.

   PMC. "Legal Aspects of Medical Negligence in India." PubMed Central, n.d. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3444596/.

(Input from various sources)

(Rehash/Pragati Sakhuja/MSM)