Retired textile engineer approaches MMC after losing part of his intestine to ‘misdiagnosed cancer’

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“Doctors suggested we opt for colonoscopy to see if there is any inflammation in the large intestine despite the CT scan reports. After the procedure, he (Kulkarni) was asked to undergo an immediate surgery. Doctors said he might suffer from cancer that can spread within a week if delayed,” said Nandini Kulkarni, the patient’s daughter, adding that the family had no medical knowledge and decided to follow the doctor’s advice fearing for his life.

In August, 2012, Kulkarni, a heart patient, underwent a surgery to remove the 8-cm long sigmoid colon, which connects with the rectum and helps in passage of stool from the body.

But four days later, a greenish secretion from his body forced doctors to perform another surgery where a part of the large intestine was removed at the same hospital. “I realised my condition was worsening and I took admission in Fortis hospital, Mulund. That is where all my reports came normal and I was told that there was no malignancy in my intestine,” Kulkarni said. The senior citizen has also filed a case with National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), the first hearing of which is next month.

He has also approached the MMC against the hospital and the surgeon who performed the surgery. According to Kulkarni’s family, he now requires a hartmann’s pouch-a pouch connected with the intestine to collect stool-that requires replacement every week.

Despite the surgery, his hernia problem has increased and the stool passage is hindered with a part of his large intestine missing. In the hearing at MMC on Thursday, Kulkarni alleged that his follow-up checkups with over 10 doctors showed that a surgery was not required and there was no cancerous growth in his abdomen or intestine. “In the last two years, I have exhausted my money on medical procedures just because one surgery went wrong,” Kulkarni said during the hearing.

The doctor representing the private Mulund hospital claimed, “We have committed no error in the surgery and due permission was taken. The doctor has now been asked by MMC to submit all documents in the next hearing.”

According to Dr Kishor Taori, MMC president, the punishment in such cases of medical negligence can amount to suspension of the doctor’s registration to permanent cancellations.

“We have taken serious cognisance of the complaint.

The doctor who took the decision will be held responsible if the charges are proved. While we can’t take any direct action against the hospital, we can recommend the civic body to cancel their registration,” Taori told The Indian Express.