Kin allege negligence as 57-year-old woman dies after hysterectomy

Kozhikode: An allegation of medical negligence has been raised against the Government Medical College Hospital (MCH) in Kozhikode after the death of a 57-year-old woman on Wednesday morning, following a hysterectomy. 

The incident took place on March 12, when the woman passed away five days after undergoing a hysterectomy, with her family blaming the hospital for failing to provide timely and appropriate post-surgical care.

The woman, who is a resident of KT Road in East Perambra, underwent keyhole surgery on March 7 to remove her uterus and ovaries. The woman had been admitted to MCH on March 4, 2025, for treatment related to post-menopausal bleeding and endometrial hyperplasia, a pre-cancerous condition. After undergoing the hysterectomy on March 7, complications arose, ultimately leading to her death. According to her family, despite initial concerns, hospital staff did not act quickly enough to address the complications that followed the surgery.

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According to the news reports, the woman had a history of rheumatoid arthritis and abnormal blood pressure, which necessitated close monitoring after surgery. During the procedure, doctors found a lesion in her large intestine, specifically where the uterus and intestine were connected.

The lesion was sutured, and she was shifted to the general ward on March 8. Doctors permitted her to consume regular food. But soon after eating, she developed severe stomach pain, following which she was moved to the ICU. Family members allege that despite their concerns, the hospital failed to act promptly.

The situation escalated when, on March 10, doctors performed an emergency surgery, suspecting a leak in the sutured section of her intestine. She was subsequently diagnosed with fecal peritonitis, a severe condition caused by intestinal leakage. Despite being placed on ventilator support, her condition deteriorated, and she tragically passed away at 5:25 a.m. on March 12.

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According to TNIE, in response to the allegations, the Maternal and Child Health Centre issued a press release stating that the patient had received necessary treatment at all stages. Hospital authorities have launched an internal investigation, with the superintendent seeking a detailed report from the head of the gynecology department.

As of now, the police have not registered a case related to the incident. The tragic incident has prompted widespread concern over the quality of care provided at government hospitals.

Speaking to TOI, Kozhikode MCH authorities said they have submitted a preliminary report to the medical education director, and a detailed probe is likely to be launched into the incident.