Thyroid Surgery Leaves Woman with Hidden Guide Wire
An expert committee has been formed to investigate a serious case of medical negligence during thyroid surgery at the Government General Hospital in Thiruvananthapuram. A woman who underwent thyroid removal surgery in March 2023 was recently found to have been living with a guide wire, a medical instrument used during the placement of a central venous line left inside her body for more than two years.
Surgery and Later Discovery
The patient was admitted to General Hospital on March 18, 2023, for treatment of multinodular goitre. She underwent thyroid removal surgery on March 22 and was discharged after an uneventful recovery on March 30.
However, the pathology report later revealed that she had thyroid cancer. Since then, she has been receiving follow-up treatment at both the Regional Cancer Centre (RCC) and the General Hospital.
The shocking discovery came in April 2025, when an X-ray taken at RCC revealed that a guide wire inserted to place a central venous catheter during her surgery or post-operative period had never been removed. Medical experts warn that leaving a guide wire inside a patient can be dangerous, as it may move to other parts of the body or even cause perforation of veins or the heart.
Expert Opinions and Initial Steps
Following the discovery, the hospital sought advice from specialists at Sri Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology. Their opinion suggested that the patient was unlikely to face immediate health risks because of the retained guide wire.
Even though the patient herself did not file a formal complaint, the Directorate of Health Services (DHS) set up an expert committee in April 2025. The panel includes specialists in cardiovascular and thoracic surgery, radiology, anesthesiology, and general surgery.
Committee’s Progress
The committee convened on August 14 to review all available medical records. However, it was unable to conclude and has requested additional documents related to the patient’s treatment at RCC and General Hospital. The DHS has assured that appropriate follow-up care will be given based on the committee’s recommendations.
Underlying Issues Raised
Senior surgeons within the health service have pointed out that such incidents of medical negligence during thyroid surgery and other operations often occur due to systemic issues in government hospitals. Many operating theatres reportedly lack sufficient support staff, trained nurses, and anaesthesia technicians. According to experts, this shortage increases the risk of preventable medical errors, but the health department has not adequately addressed the problem.
Conclusion
Director of Health Services Dr. K.J. Reena stated that any formal complaint from the patient would be dealt with seriously. For now, the expert panel continues its review, while the health department monitors the case closely to ensure the patient’s ongoing care.
Source:Â Inputs from various media SourcesÂ
I’m a pharmacist with a strong background in health sciences. I hold a BSc from Delhi University and a pharmacy degree from PDM University. I write articles and daily health news while interviewing doctors to bring you the latest insights. In my free time, you’ll find me at the gym or lost in a sci-fi novel.
- Health News and Updates,People Forum
- 29 August 2025
- 20:00
