Surgical glove not stitched on patient's shoulder by mistake; sterile glove used as surgical drain; doctor throws light on rumour

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The allegation that a glove was stitched in the wound of a man who underwent surgery at the General Hospital had raised concern, but within hours, the concerned doctor came forward to explain the fact.

After the removal of a sebaceous cyst on the back of Nedumangad Mulamukku native B Shinu, a gloved drain was inserted into the wound to drain the pus and blood inside. This is what led to the rumour that the wound was stitched together with a glove. Dr R Suresh, Chief Consultant, Department of Surgery, General Hospital, who performed the operation, said that as the drain is only needed for two days, the doctors use a small piece of sterilized glove for the drain, instead of the drain which costs Rs 800 in the market.

Shinu's surgery was done on Saturday. The doctor said that on the second day, the patient was instructed to go to the nearest hospital and get dressed and this was noted on the back of the OP ticket. This was an outpatient surgery. The patient arrived in the morning and the cyst was surgically removed and the patient went home in the afternoon. The doctor responded that a glove drain is normal and not uncommon.

Meanwhile, Shinu's wife Sajeena responded that they did not know that the gloves were stitched as part of the treatment. The doctor did not inform them about this. "Monday night, when I changed the band-aid, I saw the part of the glove," Sajeena said. Shinu also added that this is the first time he has heard of such a treatment. They also stated that no complaints have been filed in the matter. The glove drain was removed from the wound of Shinu who came to the general hospital yesterday and the wound was dressed. The band-aid will be changed today. The doctor informed that the stitches can be removed on Saturday.

Don't break their morale: KGMOA

KGMOA President Dr Suresh TN and General Secretary Dr Sunil PK said that the morale of health workers who are sincerely working in limited facilities should not be broken through such propaganda. Glove drain, which is widely used, is inexpensive and useful.

KGMOA also demanded that strong legal action be taken against those who tarnish the image of the health department and health workers.