In a startling case of medical negligence, a 45-year-old woman from Sikkim was found to have surgical scissors left in her abdomen, twelve years after an appendectomy at STNM Hospital in Gangtok. The discovery has raised serious concerns regarding surgical protocols and patient safety.
The woman had been suffering from abdominal pain for over a decade following her appendix removal in 2012. Despite numerous consultations with various doctors, the source of her pain remained unidentified. It wasn’t until a recent X-ray at STNM Hospital that the foreign object was detected.
On October 8, 2024, the woman returned to STNM Hospital, where the X-ray revealed the presence of the surgical scissors. Medical professionals acted swiftly, performing a surgical procedure to remove the object. Thankfully, the woman is now stable and recovering well from the ordeal.
The incident has prompted significant scrutiny of the hospital’s practices. Dr. Suresh Madan Rai, a spokesperson for STNM Hospital, announced the establishment of a committee comprising health department officials and doctors from the hospital to investigate the circumstances surrounding the oversight.
The woman’s husband expressed frustration over the years of suffering, stating that despite multiple consultations and various medications, no one could determine the underlying cause of her pain until now.
This case underscores the critical importance of adhering to stringent surgical protocols to prevent such negligence. The incident has sparked discussions about improving accountability and ensuring that all surgical instruments are accounted for before closing any surgical site.
As the investigation unfolds, it remains to be seen what measures will be implemented to prevent similar occurrences in the future, ensuring that patients receive the safe and effective care they deserve.