A woman reported that a 18-centimeter surgical forceps remained in her abdominal cavity for three months following a hysterectomy. The operation was performed at the Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Bragança Paulista hospital, located in São Paulo, Brazil.
Discovery and Consequences
Erica Cristina Bannai Von Hunholtz stated that the medical instrument was in her abdomen for three months and was only discovered in April. This case was covered by the Brazilian website g1, which accessed X-rays showing a 'Kelly clamp,' resembling scissors, inside the woman's body.
Erica described her condition, saying she arrived from the hospital in complete distress due to pain. Despite medication, the pain and vomiting persisted, causing despair as it seemed something was trying to come out of her.
Subsequent Medical Interventions
On April 11, the woman was urgently taken to the hospital where a new operation was performed. During this procedure, doctors found the forceps and realized that part of her small intestine had died.
In total, the woman underwent four surgeries: the first was a hysterectomy, the second was the removal of the 'Kelly clamp,' the third was hernia correction and intestinal abscess drainage, and the last was treatment for a liver abscess.
Support and Legal Aspects
According to Erica herself, after the incident, the healthcare facility acknowledged the situation and began providing her with medical assistance, covering consultations. She noted that the hospital provides support for everything related to the instrument and ensures psychological monitoring for her children.
Erica also informed g1 that two days after the forceps were removed, lawyers representing the doctor responsible for the operation contacted her with a proposal for a settlement, but negotiations did not continue. Although the healthcare facility tried to arrange a meeting between the woman and the doctor's representatives, Erica declined further talks.
Furthermore, she revealed that the doctor offered her cosmetic surgery to remove excess skin and fat from her abdomen for a private fee of 8,500 reais. Erica's case is also being investigated by criminal authorities, and the process is ongoing.
Hospital Reaction
When the Brazilian website contacted Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Bragança Paulista, the hospital stated that in accordance with its duty to observe patient confidentiality, privacy, and data protection legislation, it would not publicly comment on specific cases. Nevertheless, the hospital stated its readiness to provide clarifications to competent authorities through official channels.
