‘It isn’t forceps found inside woman’s abdomen; nothing will happen even after 50 years,’ clarifies Dr Lalithambika

ALAPPUZHA: Dr Lalithambika, who was the head of the gynecology department at the hospital then, came forward with an explanation in the incident of finding forceps in the abdomen of Usha Joseph, during a surgery at Vandanam Medical College. She told the media that it isn’t forceps that was left inside her stomach, but a small device called mosquito forceps.

Lalithambika explained that even after 50 years, nothing will happen if the device is in the body. She clarified that Usha Joseph had undergone surgery before and that the device could have gone inside then. Meantime, Lalithambika clarified that she did not perform the surgery and that her name is heard because she was the head of the department then.

‘A device should not go inside the body. The devices should be counted before and after the surgery. The doctors and nurses who perform the surgery are now counting. Not enough staff have been appointed to count the devices. It's a failure of the system. If there is an error in counting, this can happen. The woman came for treatment for kidney stones. I didn't do the surgery. I don't remember who did it. Since it was Covid period, I was busy with its activities. I don't remember the patient. The surgery was performed because it was three- and a half kilo tumour. found. The patient has not come home. I have not accepted money from anyone for treatment. It's not a big deal to see patients at home. I see patients when my acquaintances tell me,' Lalithambika said.

The forceps was found in the abdomen of Usha Joseph of Punnapra. The incident happened five years ago. Health Minister Veena George has informed that a detailed investigation will be conducted into this and strict action will be taken.