Eight years later: Woman to undergo medical exam for needle left in uterus
A woman who claims that medical staff left a needle in her uterus during an operation is demanding N$13 million in damages from the health ministry.
Else Tsuxus underwent an operation in February 2016 at Katutura Intermediate Hospital after reportedly experiencing severe pelvic pain and excessive menstrual bleeding caused by uterine fibroids (myoma).
Tsuxus filed a lawsuit against the health ministry in March 2023 at the High Court in Windhoek. In accordance with a recent court order, she was referred for a medical examination, slated for today at the Gynaecology Department of the Katutura Intermediate Hospital in Windhoek.
"The respondents [ministry] request an investigation by Dr Emvula to perform an X-ray assessment of Ms Tsuxus's uterus to determine whether the tip of the needle is still in her womb.
"Furthermore, if she has such medical problems, the assessment will also determine the source or origin of such problems. The assessment will also ascertain whether such a diagnosis of her issues can be attributed to the tip of the needle and how it affects her various domains of life and the associated treatment costs, prognosis, and whether corrective surgery can be performed," states a court order issued by judge Eileen Rakow on 2 October.
The purpose of the medical exam is to ensure that both parties have access to accurate medical information related to the lawsuit.
Needle left behind
Tsuxus visited the hospital on 22 February 2016 with abdominal pain, and an operation was scheduled for 24 February. She claims in court documents that she stayed in the hospital after the operation and continued to experience severe abdominal pain, cramps, and a bloated stomach.
“A day after the operation, Tsuxus was informed that a needle used during the procedure had broken off and a piece had been left in her uterus. The following day, an X-ray was taken, and she was told that the surgeon would explain the results to her,” court documents state.
The surgeon allegedly explained to Tsuxus that the needle lodged in her uterus could not be removed immediately after the operation. According to court documents, she believed this explanation at the time.
Medical staff reportedly also told Tsuxus that the broken needle in her uterus would not affect her and that she would soon be able to return to her active lifestyle. They allegedly assured her that she would be able to conceive and have children without complications after six months.
Complaint
Through her attorney, Gaenor Michaels, Tsuxus informed the court that she filed a complaint with the Health Professions Council of Namibia (HPCNA) regarding her treatment at the hospital in 2017.
On 30 May 2017, she was reportedly informed that her complaint had been referred for a fact-finding investigation process. However, it was only on 16 May 2019 that the council notified her that her complaint would be reviewed by the preliminary investigation committee at their next meeting.
"Only on 26 October 2022 did they inform her that there was possible professional negligence on the part of the medical staff who treated her."
Else Tsuxus underwent an operation in February 2016 at Katutura Intermediate Hospital after reportedly experiencing severe pelvic pain and excessive menstrual bleeding caused by uterine fibroids (myoma).
Tsuxus filed a lawsuit against the health ministry in March 2023 at the High Court in Windhoek. In accordance with a recent court order, she was referred for a medical examination, slated for today at the Gynaecology Department of the Katutura Intermediate Hospital in Windhoek.
"The respondents [ministry] request an investigation by Dr Emvula to perform an X-ray assessment of Ms Tsuxus's uterus to determine whether the tip of the needle is still in her womb.
"Furthermore, if she has such medical problems, the assessment will also determine the source or origin of such problems. The assessment will also ascertain whether such a diagnosis of her issues can be attributed to the tip of the needle and how it affects her various domains of life and the associated treatment costs, prognosis, and whether corrective surgery can be performed," states a court order issued by judge Eileen Rakow on 2 October.
The purpose of the medical exam is to ensure that both parties have access to accurate medical information related to the lawsuit.
Needle left behind
Tsuxus visited the hospital on 22 February 2016 with abdominal pain, and an operation was scheduled for 24 February. She claims in court documents that she stayed in the hospital after the operation and continued to experience severe abdominal pain, cramps, and a bloated stomach.
“A day after the operation, Tsuxus was informed that a needle used during the procedure had broken off and a piece had been left in her uterus. The following day, an X-ray was taken, and she was told that the surgeon would explain the results to her,” court documents state.
The surgeon allegedly explained to Tsuxus that the needle lodged in her uterus could not be removed immediately after the operation. According to court documents, she believed this explanation at the time.
Medical staff reportedly also told Tsuxus that the broken needle in her uterus would not affect her and that she would soon be able to return to her active lifestyle. They allegedly assured her that she would be able to conceive and have children without complications after six months.
Complaint
Through her attorney, Gaenor Michaels, Tsuxus informed the court that she filed a complaint with the Health Professions Council of Namibia (HPCNA) regarding her treatment at the hospital in 2017.
On 30 May 2017, she was reportedly informed that her complaint had been referred for a fact-finding investigation process. However, it was only on 16 May 2019 that the council notified her that her complaint would be reviewed by the preliminary investigation committee at their next meeting.
"Only on 26 October 2022 did they inform her that there was possible professional negligence on the part of the medical staff who treated her."
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