Doctors leave blade in woman’s thigh during surgery at GH, Narasaraopet; 5 suspended

Palnadu : In a shocking case of medical negligence, doctors left a surgical blade in a woman's thigh during a tubectomy procedure at the Government Hospital, Narasaraopet.

The victim, Ramadevi of Balayyanagar, said she underwent a tubectomy on November 26 after being advised by doctors during her initial visit on November 24.

She alleged that she was not given adequate anesthesia during the operation performed by Dr. Narayanaswamy. She said she experienced sharp pain similar to being pierced by a scissor-like object. Despite repeatedly informing the staff, she claimed her complaints were ignored and that she was even slapped.

Ramadevi said she was discharged the same evening, but severe pain forced her family to bring her back to the hospital on Friday. An X-ray reportedly revealed a blade embedded in her thigh. The family alleged that government hospital doctors refused to remove it, prompting them to seek help at a private hospital.

Responding to the incident, Dr. Narayanaswamy said that he completed the tubectomy successfully and blamed the support staff for failing to properly clean the surgical equipment. He maintained that it was unlikely for a blade to enter the thigh during a tubectomy.

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu took serious note of the incident and ordered the suspension of those responsible. Following his directive, Medical Director Dr. Padmavati visited the DMHO office to conduct a preliminary inquiry, which confirmed that the woman had sustained a stab injury to the thigh during treatment at the government hospital.

DMHO Dr. Ravi said several questions remain over how the blade entered the patient’s body, and that a special medical team has been constituted to carry out a detailed investigation. Pending the inquiry, five staff members, including the doctor, have been placed under suspension.