No procedural Lapse: Alappuzha Medical College Gynaecologist exonerated in 2021 surgery case

Thiruvananthapuram: A gynaecologist has been given a clean chit by a four-member committee in a case of alleged medical negligence dating back to 2021, after an artery forceps was found inside a patient’s abdomen following a surgery at Alappuzha Government Medical College (GMC).
The incident occurred in 2021, when a 51-year-old woman from Punnapra underwent surgery to remove a large uterine tumour. The doctor, then an assistant professor in the Department of Gynaecology, was part of the operating team. The patient was discharged post-surgery, but she reportedly continued to suffer from persistent abdominal pain over the next few years and sought treatment at multiple healthcare facilities. The cause of her symptoms came to light only after an X-ray taken at a private hospital in Ernakulam revealed a retained artery forceps inside her abdomen. The instrument was subsequently removed through another surgical procedure.Also Read:Death of 30-year-old at Moolchand Hospital Sparks Allegations of Medical NegligenceIn response to the allegations, a four-member committee was constituted to examine whether any procedural lapse had occurred. After reviewing the case, the panel concluded that the doctor had followed standard surgical protocol. The findings stated that the abdominal wound was closed only after reconfirmation from the scrub nurse that all instruments had been accounted for, a critical operative safety step involving both the surgeon and assisting nursing staff. Medical Dialogues team recently reported that in a shocking case of alleged medical negligence, an artery forceps was reportedly found inside the abdomen of a woman nearly five years after she underwent surgery at the Government Medical College Hospital (GMCH), Alappuzha. The patient has also accused the doctor of negligence, who has since retired.In response to the allegations, Kerala Health Minister Veena George ordered a formal investigation into the matter. The patient had earlier undergone surgery for the removal of uterine fibroids at the hospital.  According to a report by The Times of India, the allegations had earlier led to administrative action, with the Director of Medical Education placing both the doctor and a nurse under suspension pending inquiry. Following its review, the committee cleared the doctor of individual negligence. Meanwhile, the retrieved artery forceps have been handed over to the Ambalapuzha Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) as part of the ongoing investigation, and further proceedings will depend on the outcome of the police and departmental review.Also Read:CMCH doctors accused of medical negligence after woman dies Post C-Section