JODHPUR: In a shocking case of medical negligence, doctors at Kuchaman Govt Hospital left a towel inside a woman’s abdomen during a caesarean delivery three months ago. The negligence came to light only after she underwent surgery at AIIMS, Jodhpur, where the towel was removed on Nov 17. She was discharged from the hospital on Sunday.
The woman had suffered severe abdominal pain for months, visiting several hospitals, including private and govt facilities in Makrana and Ajmer, without relief. Despite undergoing a CT scan in Ajmer, the towel was misdiagnosed as a lump. Finally, AIIMS doctors discovered a 15×10 cm towel lodged in her abdomen during an investigation.
The prolonged presence of the foreign body caused significant harm. Gastro surgeon Dr Subhash Soni, who led the surgery, said the towel had adhered to the intestines, causing severe damage. The woman had been admitted to AIIMS on Nov 15, and the five-hour surgery was conducted on Nov 17. She was discharged on Sunday.
The negligence also impacted her newborn, as the abdominal pain limited her food intake, reducing breast milk production. The child had to rely on external milk.
Chief medical and health officer (CMHO) of Didwana, Dr Anil Judia, has constituted an inquiry committee and assured appropriate action based on its findings.
A family member, Manmohan, expressed anger over the delay in diagnosis and medical negligence.
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