Doc leaves mop in woman’s stomach during C-section

Doc leaves mop in woman’s stomach during C-section 

MEDICAL NEGLIGENCE? 23.02.2025

BANGALORE 

TIMES NEWS NETWORK In an alleged case of medical negligence, a doctor at a Puttur hospital in Dakshin Kannada left a surgical mop inside a woman’s stomach during a C-section, putting her life in danger and requiring an emergency surgery at another hospital two months later, after a CT scan exposed the doctor’s carelessness. She is still not able to breastfeed her newborn. 

“We have posted the issue on National Consumer Grievance portal and department of consumer affairs. We have spent lakhs on her treatment,” the woman’s husband said. Dakshina Kannada district health and family welfare officer Dr Thimmaiah HR said a thorough probe will be conducted. The husband posted on X that his wife underwent a Csection on Nov 27 at a private hospital, but a week after she was discharged on Dec 2, she developed high fever and had to be readmitted. Concerned about an unusual sensation on one side of her stomach, the couple insisted on an ultrasound scan, which revealed a 10cm mass. However, the radiologist allegedly refused to disclose its details or communicate with the doctor in their presence. 

The doctor, in turn, dismissed their concerns, claiming it was hematoma rather than a foreign object. As the discomfort persisted, the couple requested a CT scan, but the doctor reportedly disregarded it, insisting the condition would resolve over time. Although the woman’s fever subsided, follow-up ultrasounds showed no reduction in the mass. Meanwhile, she began experiencing severe joint, wrist and leg pain, making it difficult for her to walk, stand or even lift her baby to feed. 

A CT scan later confirmed the presence of a surgical mop inside her stomach. By then, the infection had spread to her lungs, blood, putting her life at grave risk, her husband alleged. When they confronted the doctor who had performed the C-section, he allegedly refused to take responsibility.  Ultimately, an emergency surgery was performed at another private hospital on Jan 25 to remove the mop. She was discharged on Feb 15.