Was medical gauze and rubber gloves found in the woman's stomach?

Reports recently circulated on social networks alleging that medical gauze and rubber gloves were left in the stomach of a woman who had undergone a cesarean section in Namangan. The Health Department of Namangan region has addressed these claims.

The Ministry of Health closely monitored this incident, and a specialized working group was dispatched to the Namangan region to conduct a thorough investigation. Preliminary assessments were carried out by a team of qualified specialists, led by Dr. L. Abdullaeva, Chief Obstetrician-Gynecologist of the Ministry of Health and Doctor of Medical Sciences.

It has been confirmed that on May 11 of this year, at approximately 09:00 a.m., a 33-year-old resident of Chortoq district, identified as B.U., presented at the maternity ward of the district medical association for a medical examination.

Following the initial examination, the patient was diagnosed with "Third Pregnancy, 39 weeks and 3 days, Uterine Scar, Moderate Anemia, Status Post Two Previous Caesarean Sections" and was subsequently admitted to the maternity hospital. The case was promptly reported to the Namangan regional branch of the Republican Specialized Mother and Child Health Scientific and Practical Medical Center, and a specialist from the center was called in for consultation.

"Later that day, at approximately 3:40 p.m., in accordance with medical guidelines, Dr. T. Abdukarimov, Head of the Branch Gynecology Department, and H. Abidova, Head of the Maternity Department, performed a caesarean section. The surgical procedure was conducted in strict compliance with sanitary regulations and established standards," the report stated.

During the operation, the patient underwent voluntary surgical contraception (VSC) with her consent. The surgery proceeded without complications. However, the fetus succumbed to a bacterial and viral infection in the antenatal period. According to the patient’s medical history, she had been treated for infertility and had suffered from acute respiratory viral infections (ARVI) and an acute urinary tract infection during her pregnancy.

The body of the deceased fetus was released to the family without a forensic examination, as requested in writing by the family members. Consequently, disciplinary action was taken against H. Abidova, Head of the Maternity Department, due to this oversight.

"Postoperatively, the patient’s uterus was consistently found to be clear, and multiple ultrasound examinations were performed. Following the operation, the patient treated herself at home for acute fungal colpitis, using antifungal suppositories and a gauze tampon without medical supervision.

In recent months, the patient’s condition deteriorated due to acute fungal colpitis, a recurrence of urinary tract infection, and the resumption of lactation," the report stated. 

The working group concluded that the claims circulating on social media regarding medical gauze and rubber gloves being left inside the patient’s stomach are entirely unfounded.