A woman in Hebei Province experienced continuous abdominal pain and intermittent fever after undergoing a caesarean section surgery in September this year. It wasn’t until over fifty days later that a surgical gauze was discovered inside her body, emitting a foul odor, which led to her being hospitalized for 5 days due to infection.
According to reports from Da Wan News, a woman named Jiaojiao (alias) underwent a caesarean section surgery at the West Zone Maternity Department of Handan Central Hospital on September 18th. After the surgery, she continued to feel unwell, with not only her abdomen feeling bloated but also experiencing sporadic episodes of fever. She initially thought these symptoms were a normal postoperative reaction, until she felt a foreign object while washing her lower body on November 7th. The next morning, she went to Quzhou County Hospital for a pelvic MRI exam, where it was revealed that a piece of surgical gauze had been left inside her body.
Jiaojiao mentioned that the gauze removed had a strong stench, and she was hospitalized for 5 days due to infection. During her stay, the hospital did not send anyone to negotiate, and only the doctor visited her on a personal basis.
The diagnosis report from Quzhou County Hospital indicated that Jiaojiao had an “abnormal signal in the upper part of the vagina” and recommended combining gynecological examinations for timely treatment.
When contacted, the relevant department at Handan Central Hospital’s West Zone by Da Wan News did not respond.
Ms. Wang, a staff member of the Health and Medical Affairs Department of Handan Municipal Health Commission, argued that the hospital’s response was that the patient was still using medication at the time of discharge, and the doctor did not inform her about the need to remove the gauze after a few days. It was not that the gauze was left inside the patient’s body. “It definitely was the hospital’s fault, causing damage to the patient’s body and mind. We have urged the hospital to actively resolve the issue. If necessary, we will also cooperate with law enforcement agencies to investigate. If the doctor is found to be negligent, appropriate administrative penalties will be imposed.”
On November 21st, the topic of “Surgical gauze left inside a woman’s body for 50 days after childbirth” trended on Weibo, with netizens expressing their shock and disbelief, stating, “This is definitely a medical accident, right?” “The hospital’s response is ridiculous, yet some people still believe it.” “Female friends can imagine what it’s like for a sanitary pad to be left inside the body for 50 days, causing foul odor, inflammation, and bacterial infections.” “Goodness, this is a serious mistake.”