In a chilling case that has sent shockwaves through India’s healthcare system, a woman in Noida is recovering from a second surgery to remove a 45-centimeter piece of surgical cloth that had been lodged inside her abdomen for 15 months—left behind during a routine Caesarean section in November 2023. The discovery, made in April 2025, triggered a criminal investigation, with an FIR now filed against six doctors and hospital staff for alleged medical negligence, endangerment, and obstruction of justice.
The victim, a 28-year-old mother, reportedly suffered persistent abdominal pain, fever, and digestive complications for over a year. Doctors initially dismissed her symptoms as postpartum issues or stress—until a scan at a different hospital revealed the horrifying truth: a foreign object the size of a small towel was festering inside her body. When removed, it was confirmed to be a surgical gauze, commonly used during operations to absorb blood and fluids.
Her husband alleges that when they raised concerns at the original hospital—identified as a private facility in Sector 78, Noida—they were not only ignored but threatened. “They told us to keep quiet or face consequences,” he told reporters. Now, with legal action underway, this case has ignited urgent questions about surgical safety protocols, accountability, and patient rights in India’s rapidly expanding private healthcare sector.
Table of Contents
- What Happened: The Noida Surgical Cloth Case
- Surgical Cloth Left Inside Abdomen: How Does This Happen?
- Legal Action: FIR Against Doctors and Hospital Staff
- Warning Signs of Retained Surgical Items
- How Common Is This in India and Globally?
- What Patients Can Do to Protect Themselves
- Conclusion: A Call for Systemic Reform
- Sources
What Happened: The Noida Surgical Cloth Case
The ordeal began in November 2023 when the woman underwent a scheduled C-section at a private hospital in Noida. The delivery was reportedly uneventful, and she was discharged within days. But soon after, she began experiencing severe abdominal pain, bloating, and recurring infections.
Despite multiple visits to the same hospital, she was repeatedly told her symptoms were “normal post-delivery discomfort.” It wasn’t until April 2025—15 months later—that a CT scan at a different facility in Delhi revealed a dense mass in her lower abdomen. Surgeons removed a 45-cm-long surgical sponge, believed to have been used during the original C-section.
Doctors familiar with the case say such a retained foreign object can lead to chronic inflammation, internal scarring, sepsis, and even death if left untreated. “This wasn’t just negligence—it was a betrayal of basic medical ethics,” said a senior gynaecologist who reviewed the case on condition of anonymity.
Surgical Cloth Left Inside Abdomen: How Does This Happen?
Retained surgical items (RSIs)—like gauze, sponges, or instruments—are classified as “never events” by global health bodies because they should never occur in accredited hospitals. Yet, they do. Common causes include:
- Poor Counting Protocols: Operating teams are supposed to count all sponges and instruments before and after surgery. In chaotic or understaffed environments, this step is sometimes skipped.
- Lack of Technology: Many Indian hospitals still don’t use radiofrequency-tagged sponges that can be detected by scanners post-op.
- Human Error Under Pressure: During emergency C-sections or complications, the focus shifts to saving lives, and safety checks may be overlooked.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), even in high-income countries, RSIs occur in about 1 in every 5,500 operations . In low-resource settings, the rate could be significantly higher—though underreported due to fear of litigation.
Legal Action: FIR Against Doctors and Hospital Staff
Following the family’s complaint, the Noida Police registered an FIR under multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code, including:
- Section 304A (Causing death by negligence—though no death occurred, the risk was deemed life-threatening)
- Section 326 (Voluntarily causing grievous hurt)
- Section 120B (Criminal conspiracy—for allegedly covering up the error)
The accused include the lead obstetrician, two assisting surgeons, the hospital’s medical director, and two nursing staff involved in the procedure. The hospital’s license is now under review by the Uttar Pradesh Medical Council.
Warning Signs of Retained Surgical Items
Patients who’ve undergone surgery should seek immediate medical attention if they experience:
- Persistent or worsening abdominal pain
- Unexplained fever or chills
- Swelling or tenderness at the surgical site
- Drainage or pus from the incision
- Chronic fatigue or digestive issues
Early imaging—such as ultrasound or CT scan—can confirm the presence of a foreign body. For more on patient safety after surgery, see our guide on [INTERNAL_LINK:post-surgery-complications-to-watch-for].
How Common Is This in India and Globally?
While exact data is scarce in India due to poor reporting, the National Accreditation Board for Hospitals (NABH) lists “retained foreign object post-surgery” as a sentinel event requiring mandatory disclosure. Yet enforcement remains weak.
Globally, the U.S. sees an estimated 1,500–2,000 RSI cases annually. In contrast, countries like Japan and Germany have reduced rates through strict protocols and technology. India, with its booming medical tourism and fragmented regulation, remains vulnerable.
What Patients Can Do to Protect Themselves
While systemic change is needed, patients can take proactive steps:
- Choose NABH-accredited hospitals whenever possible.
- Ask about sponge-counting procedures pre-surgery.
- Insist on imaging if post-op symptoms persist beyond normal recovery.
- Document all interactions and keep medical records.
Conclusion: A Call for Systemic Reform
The Noida case of a surgical cloth left inside abdomen is not just a story of one woman’s suffering—it’s a red alert for India’s healthcare system. When basic safety protocols fail so catastrophically, it undermines public trust in a sector already strained by inequality and oversight gaps. As legal proceedings unfold, this incident must catalyze stricter enforcement of surgical safety standards, mandatory use of detection technology, and stronger whistleblower protections for patients and staff alike.
Sources
Times of India: Cloth Found in Woman’s Abdomen 15 Months Post C-Section
World Health Organization (WHO): Guidelines for Safe Surgery
National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers (NABH)
NCBI: Retained Surgical Items – Incidence, Prevention, and Management