Ministry treating 'surgical equipment' case seriously after woman’s death

Minister for Health Dr Atonio Lalabalavu says the Ministry of Health and Medical Services is looking closely into the circumstances surrounding the death of a woman at the Colonial War Memorial Hospital after a surgical instrument was allegedly left inside her body following an operation.

Dr Lalabalavu confirmed the matter is being treated seriously as police and the Ministry conduct separate investigations into the incident.

Police are investigating the woman’s death after a post-mortem examination confirmed that a metal surgical bowel guard had remained inside her body months after undergoing gynaecological surgery to remove a tumour at CWMH.

The woman died at the hospital last Sunday, January 25, after being readmitted with severe complications believed to have stemmed from the retained surgical instrument.

The bowel guard is used during surgery to shield the intestines from injury.

It is believed the instrument caused extensive internal damage, including injuries to her intestines and surrounding tissue. Sources said the woman had been working in Tonga when she was first diagnosed with the tumour.

With limited treatment options available there, she returned to Fiji and underwent surgery at CWMH in June last year.

Following the operation, she was discharged and initially appeared to be recovering.

However, it is alleged that about six months later her condition began to deteriorate, prompting her readmission to hospital.

The Fiji Police Force has confirmed an investigation is under way into the alleged negligence of the operating medical team, while the Ministry of Health is also understood to be carrying out an internal review.

Dr Lalabalavu said the Ministry would await the outcome of the investigations before commenting further.