'Doctor left a swab inside of me' says woman claiming R5m in damages
A Richards Bay woman is taking a Durban gynaecologist to court and suing him for R5 million for alleged medical negligence.
Henisha Injurjeeth says a swab was left inside her for over a year after an operation in June 2017.
She says she and her husband had consulted the doctor after they battled to conceive a child.
She says she was then diagnosed with Polycystic ovary syndrome and told she had developed fibroids - and would need corrective surgery.
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Injurjeeth says soon after the procedure, she began feeling extreme pain.
"When I brought it to his attention, he just said it's winter, I must keep warm and it was a big operation. He never went and investigated further.
I went for an Ultrasound and that doctor saw something. He referred me to another doctor. A CT scan was done and in that CT scan, they weren't quite sure what it was.
They could just see like fibres so the only way for them to be 100% sure was to take me to theatre. When they removed it, it was an entire bandage." said Injurdeeth.
She says even after the operation to remove the swab, she remains in constant pain.
"It's been the worst time of my life. My hopes and dreams have been crushed. I have only lived in pain in the last few years. I won't be able to have a child in the future. I have scars, terrible scarring, I have nightmares. I have no feeling in my stomach." said Injurdeeth.
Injurdeeth's attorney, Theasen Pillay from TPA Legal says they are also planning to approach the Health Professions Council of South Africa to report the matter.
"This is an undefendable claim, this is the epitome of medical negligence," said Pillay.
The gynaecologist referred Newswatch to his attorney who confirmed they have just received the summons.
They say they are unable to comment due to doctor/patient confidentiality and because the matter is sub judice.
