Gross medical negligence: Scissors left in woman’s stomach detected after 17 years

A woman in Lucknow unknowingly carried a pair of surgical scissors in her abdomen for 17 years after undergoing a cesarean (C-section). The shocking discovery was made during a routine X-ray, sparking significant concerns over medical negligence.

According to reports by India Today, the woman, Sandhya Pandey, underwent a C-section at 'She Medical Care' nursing home on February 28, 2008, to deliver her child.

Since then, she experienced persistent abdominal pain but found no relief despite consulting multiple doctors. Over the years, her discomfort remained a mystery until an X-ray at Lucknow Medical College recently revealed a pair of surgical scissors lodged in her abdomen.

Emergency Surgery to Remove Scissors

Following the discovery, Pandey was admitted to King George's Medical University (KGMU), where surgeons performed a complex procedure on March 26 to remove the foreign object. 

KGMU spokesperson Sudhir Singh confirmed the operation’s success and stated that the patient has since been discharged and is recovering at home.

Legal Action Against Surgeon

Meanwhile, her husband, Arvind Kumar Pandey, has filed a police complaint against Dr. Pushpa Jaiswal, who performed the initial surgery in 2008. In his complaint, he accused her of gross medical negligence and demanded a thorough investigation into the matter.

Renewed Focus on Patient Safety

The case caught up quickly on social media and sparked concerns about medical accountability in India’s healthcare system. However, experts stated that retained surgical instruments are rare but can lead to severe complications if undiagnosed.