Surgical Error: How My Wife Died After Doctors Allegedly Left Scissors in Her Stomach — Husband

A Kano-based man, Abubakar Muhammad, has accused the Abubakar Imam Urology Centre of alleged medical negligence, claiming that a surgical error led to the death of his wife, Aishatu Umar.

Muhammad alleged that his wife, a mother of five, died from complications arising from a surgical procedure carried out at the state-owned health facility located in Fagge Local Government Area of Kano State.

Speaking with Daily Trust, Muhammad said Aishatu died in the early hours of Monday, about four months after doctors allegedly left a pair of surgical scissors in her stomach during an operation.

According to him, his wife fell ill several months earlier and underwent surgery at the hospital in September. He said shortly after the operation, she began experiencing persistent and severe abdominal pain.

Muhammad said his wife repeatedly returned to the hospital to complain about her condition but was allegedly given only pain relief medication without further medical investigation.

“Each time she went back to complain, they only prescribed painkillers. They kept telling her the pain was normal after surgery, but they never recommended an X-ray or any form of scan,” he said.

He added that her condition continued to worsen over the months until she eventually died, insisting that the situation could have been avoided with proper medical attention.

According to Muhammad, medical tests and scans were eventually carried out at Muhammad Abdullahi Wase Specialist Hospital and Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, just days before her death.

He said the results allegedly revealed that a pair of surgical scissors had been left inside her body during the September surgery.

Efforts were reportedly underway to conduct a corrective surgery to remove the object, but Aishatu died before the procedure could be performed.

Describing the incident as gross negligence, Muhammad said the tragedy had caused deep pain to the family and raised serious concerns about professional standards in the healthcare system.

“While we acknowledge that death is inevitable, we cannot understand how such an error could occur during a surgical procedure. Incidents like this undermine public confidence in medical professionals and health institutions,” he said.

He called on the Kano State Government and relevant health regulatory authorities to conduct a thorough investigation and ensure that justice is served.

Meanwhile, the Kano State Hospitals Management Board has ordered an immediate and comprehensive investigation into the matter.

The Executive Secretary of the Board, Dr Mansur Mudi Nagoda, issued the directive on Tuesday, stating that the probe would establish the facts and circumstances surrounding the incident.

“We extend our deepest condolences to her family and loved ones. The investigation will be transparent, impartial and professional, and appropriate actions will be taken in line with established regulations should any negligence be established,” the statement read.

The Board assured the public that patient safety remains its top priority and pledged its commitment to maintaining high standards of healthcare delivery in Kano State.