Surgeon forgets scissors in patient
A patient in the Sint-Augustinus Hospital in Wilrijk (Antwerp) had a nasty surprise after an operation to his intestines. When doctors finally listened to his complaints two pairs of scissors were found in his body.
For a whole year after the operation, the man suffered considerable pains, but his doctor initially refused to listen.
It was only after an X-ray was taken that it was discovered that the patient had been walking around with two large pairs of scissors sewn into his intestines during the operation.
After the operation hospital staff had noticed that scissors had gone missing, but no alarm was sounded and scissors from the storeroom were used to make up the shortfall.
Both the experienced surgeon and hospital have now admitted the mistake. The hospital is offering 5,000 euros in compensation, but the patient is seeking 80,000 euros in damages.