A disturbing case of alleged medical negligence has emerged from the Federal Medical Centre in Yenagoa, Yenagoa, where a woman reportedly lived for over a decade with a surgical instrument left inside her body following a cesarean section.
According to a firsthand account shared by a close associate of the patient, the incident dates back to 2013 when the woman underwent a cesarean delivery. It is alleged that during the procedure, a surgical tool reportedly a pair of scissors was inadvertently left inside her abdomen.
For several years following the surgery, the woman is said to have experienced recurring abdominal pain. Despite multiple hospital visits and diagnostic scans, the source of her discomfort allegedly remained undetected. She was reportedly treated for various conditions, including ulcers, without lasting relief.
The situation took a dramatic turn in November of the previous year when, after persistent complaints, she underwent another round of medical examinations. While initial scans reportedly showed no abnormalities, an X-ray was eventually conducted. It was during this imaging procedure, according to the account, that a metallic object was discovered inside her abdomen.
Medical personnel subsequently performed surgery to remove the object, which was allegedly confirmed to be a pair of scissors. The operation was reported to have been successful, and the patient is said to be recovering well.
The case has sparked renewed concerns about surgical safety protocols, particularly the importance of instrument counts and post-operative checks in preventing such incidents. While the claims have not been independently verified by health authorities, the story has drawn public attention and prompted calls for further investigation into practices at healthcare facilities.
As of the time of reporting, there has been no official statement from the Federal Medical Centre Yenagoa regarding the allegations.
The patient, now said to be in stable condition, is reportedly preparing for a thanksgiving service to mark her recovery an event her supporters describe as a celebration of resilience and survival.
Health experts note that while rare, retained surgical instruments are considered serious medical errors and underscore the need for strict adherence to global surgical safety standards.
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