How did scissors end up in a woman’s abdomen five years after surgery?
Synopsis
In a shocking incident, a woman in Kerala discovered scissors in her abdomen five years post-surgery. As the state investigates the matter, questions arise about surgical safety and accountability. Usha Joseph's ordeal highlights systemic failures in patient care and the implications of medical negligence.
Key Takeaways
Disturbing discovery: Scissors found in a patient's abdomen five years post-surgery.
Investigation launched: Kerala government initiates an expert review of the incident.
Patient safety concerns: Raises questions about surgical protocols and accountability.
Legal action: Usha's family is pursuing legal proceedings due to medical negligence.
Healthcare system scrutiny: Emphasis on improving surgical safety measures in state-run institutions.
Alappuzha, Feb 20 (NationPress) In a disturbing revelation, a surgical instrument was discovered lodged within a patient's abdomen five years post-surgery. Kerala's Health Minister, Veena George, announced on Friday that a preliminary report has been received, and an expert panel will thoroughly investigate the incident.
The case involves Usha Joseph, a resident of Punnapra, Kerala, who was found to have a pair of scissors in her abdomen during an X-ray conducted earlier this week.
She underwent a surgical procedure on May 5, 2021, at Alappuzha Vandanam Medical College for the removal of a uterine tumor.
Following the operation, Usha reportedly experienced ongoing abdominal pain and various complications, which she managed with medication for years until the foreign object was identified.
Minister Veena George emphasized the government's serious stance on this issue, stating that a specialized team will conduct a detailed examination to determine how the surgical instrument remained undetected for such an extended period.
In the meantime, Dr. Lalithambika, linked to the surgery, denied having performed the procedure on Usha. She mentioned that Usha had prior surgeries, including some nearly 20 years ago, suggesting that the scissors may have been left during one of those operations.
The doctor claimed that she does not accept payment for surgeries and attributed the incident to systemic failures rather than personal oversight.
Conversely, Usha insists that the only surgery she had was at Vandanam Medical College in 2021. She alleged that despite her persistent complaints of severe pain, doctors initially attributed her symptoms to kidney stones.
It was only after a recent X-ray that the scissors were identified. Usha further claimed that a physician attempted to resolve the matter quietly, advising her against discussing the incident.
Usha's family plans to pursue legal action, as her son stated that she has endured years of pain, including difficulties with urination and the inability to maintain regular employment, leading to considerable medical expenses.
With an expert panel now set to investigate the situation, the emphasis will be on determining accountability and assessing surgical safety protocols at the state-run facility.
Point of View
It is imperative that the healthcare system addresses these lapses to prevent future occurrences. Trust in medical institutions hinges on their ability to ensure patient safety and accountability.
NationPress
9 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to Usha Joseph?
Usha Joseph discovered scissors in her abdomen five years after surgery performed at Alappuzha Vandanam Medical College.
What did Kerala's Health Minister say about the incident?
Health Minister Veena George announced that an expert panel will investigate the incident thoroughly.
What were the complications Usha faced after her surgery?
Usha experienced persistent abdominal pain and other complications following her surgery.
Was the doctor involved in the surgery?
Dr. Lalithambika, linked to the surgery, denied performing the procedure on Usha.
What legal action is being considered?
Usha's family plans to initiate legal proceedings due to the pain and complications she suffered.
