Gloves and Paper Napkins Found Inside Woman’s Abdomen After C-Section

A 19-year-old woman is critical after doctors allegedly left surgical gloves and paper napkins inside her abdomen during a C-section in Maharashtra.

A 19-year-old woman, Sandhya Suraj Gaikwad, is in critical condition after surgical items were allegedly left inside her abdomen following a C-section at Beed District Hospital, Maharashtra.

Sandhya was admitted to the hospital on 1 August 2026 for an emergency C-section and gave birth to a baby. After the surgery, she started vomiting. Her family informed hospital staff, but she was discharged four days later.

After returning home, Sandhya developed severe stomach pain and continued vomiting. Her family took her to a private doctor, where tests and a sonography scan reportedly showed a foreign object inside her abdomen.

The family contacted Beed District Hospital and informed District Civil Surgeon Dr Sheshrao Jagtap. He asked them to bring Sandhya back to the hospital, but her mother, Sheela Ujgave, said she was worried about her daughter's condition and did not want another surgery at the same hospital.

The family then took Sandhya to Sassoon Hospital in Pune, where doctors performed surgery and reportedly removed surgical gloves and paper napkins from her abdomen.

Sandhya underwent several surgeries between 1 and 13 August. Her husband, Suraj Gaikwad, said she is now too weak to even hold their newborn baby. He has alleged medical negligence and demanded strict action against those responsible.

Dr Jagtap called the incident gross negligence and said show-cause notices had been issued to the doctor and other staff involved. The Health Department has said action will be taken if anyone is found responsible.

A 5-member committee has also been formed at Sassoon Hospital to investigate the case. The investigation is currently underway.