Daijiworld Media Network - Alappuzha
Alappuzha, Feb 20: Kerala Health Minister Veena George on Friday ordered a detailed probe after a surgical instrument was discovered inside a woman’s abdomen five years after she underwent surgery at a government medical college.
The case involves Usha Joseph, a resident of Punnapra, in whose abdomen a pair of scissors was detected during an X-ray earlier this week. She had undergone surgery on May 5, 2021, at Alappuzha Government Medical College (commonly known as Vandanam Medical College) for the removal of a uterine tumour.
Following the procedure, Usha reportedly suffered persistent abdominal pain and other complications. For years, she managed the discomfort with medication, allegedly being told at one point that her symptoms were due to kidney stones. The foreign object came to light only after a recent imaging test.
Minister Veena George said a preliminary report has been received and that an expert panel will conduct a comprehensive review to determine how the instrument remained undetected for such a prolonged period. She stressed that the government is treating the matter with utmost seriousness.
Dr. Lalithambika, who has been linked to the surgery, denied performing the procedure. She noted that the patient had undergone surgeries in the past, including nearly two decades ago, and suggested the instrument may have been left behind during one of those earlier operations. The doctor said she does not accept payment for surgeries and attributed such incidents to systemic lapses rather than individual fault.
However, Usha has maintained that she did not undergo any other surgery apart from the 2021 operation at Vandanam. She further alleged that despite repeated complaints of severe pain, her concerns were not adequately addressed and that there was an attempt to handle the matter discreetly after the scissors were found.
Her family has announced plans to pursue legal action. Her son said she endured years of suffering, including difficulty in urination and loss of regular income due to her health condition, leading to mounting medical expenses.
The expert panel’s findings are expected to focus on accountability and examine surgical safety protocols at the state-run institution.