Scissors left inside Kamla Bai after cancer surgery causes severe pain

In India, Kamla Bai, a 44-year-old mother of two, underwent surgery in 2022 for ovarian cancer. The procedure initially appeared to be successful, as the tumor was removed without any reported complications. However, in the following two and a half years, Bai experienced severe abdominal pain that persisted despite numerous medical tests and treatments. Doctors were unable to determine the cause of her pain, leading to frustration for Bai and her family. It was not until November 29, 2024, that a CT scan revealed the shocking cause of her discomfort: a pair of surgical scissors had been left inside her abdomen during the original surgery. The surgical scissors were found lodged near her colon, in a narrow space known as the left paracolic gutter. Medical experts believe the scissors went unnoticed when the surgical team stitched Bai up after the operation. The discovery has drawn concerns not only for Bai's health but also for hospital practices regarding the handling of surgical instruments. Sharp objects left inside a patient's body can lead to complications such as infections, internal bleeding, or even death. Bai is one of an estimated 1,000 patients around the globe who endure similar experiences each year. Surveys indicate that surgical instruments, including scissors and sponges, are frequently left behind in patients following abdominal and chest surgeries. A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine highlighted that these incidents are more prevalent in emergency surgeries where the medical team is under significant time pressure. The revelation of the scissors has led Bai and her family to seek accountability from the medical staff involved and consider legal action against the hospital. This situation raises broader questions about patient safety and the protocols hospitals have in place to ensure that no instruments are accidentally left inside patients after surgical procedures. In the United States, it is estimated that about 6,000 patients are affected by similar issues annually, illustrating that this is a widespread problem with serious health implications. Bai's plight is a stark reminder of the importance of careful surgical practices and the need for improved oversight in medical institutions.