Woman’s Stomach Left With Medical Tool Inside Sparks Urgent Investigation
A shocking case of medical negligence has come to light, involving a woman whose stomach was left with a large medical gadget inside for a staggering 18 months. The incident occurred following the woman’s caesarean section in 2020, and it was only recently discovered when she complained of excruciating stomach pain.
According to a report released by Morag McDowell, the New Zealand Health and Disability Commissioner, the unnamed 20-year-old patient had undergone the treatment due to pregnancy-related issues and her elevated maternal body mass. It appears that during the surgery, an Alexis wound retractor, a soft tubular device used to close wound margins, was mistakenly left inside her body.
The woman repeatedly complained to her doctor about ongoing stomach pain, and on one occasion, even visited the emergency room at Auckland Hospital. However, the overlooked tool remained undetected for so long because it was non-radio opaque, meaning it was invisible to X-ray scans.
The report states that the Auckland Health Authority failed in its duty to provide proper care for the woman. The patient and her family experienced significant stress and episodes of pain over the course of 18 months until the device was finally removed in 2021. McDowell, acknowledging the impact on the woman’s health and well-being, expressed concerns and accepted the validity of her complaints.
It was revealed that a larger wound retractor had been requested by the surgeon during the initial procedure, but it was mistakenly left in the patient’s body. The complaint further highlighted the failure to account for the retractors during the equipment tallying process in the hospital department.
In response, the Auckland health authority, known as Te Whatu Ora Te Toka Tumai Auckland, issued an apology and stated that it had reviewed the patient’s care, resulting in system and process improvements to prevent similar incidents in the future. However, this is not an isolated case, as a similar incident involving an Alexis wound retractor occurred in 2021 in the Auckland suburb of Waitemat.
The case has now been handed over to the director of procedures for the commissioner, who has the authority to take disciplinary actions leading to potential termination of individuals involved in the medical error.
Instances like these highlight the need for stricter protocols and diligent adherence to safety measures in the medical field. Patients trust healthcare professionals with their well-being, and it is essential to ensure that every effort is made to prevent such errors from occurring in the future.
In the meantime, investigations continue, and it is hoped that the necessary steps will be taken to hold the responsible parties accountable and prevent similar incidents. Patients deserve the utmost care and attention, and it is crucial for medical institutions to prioritize patient safety above all else.
