Five women develop complications after C-sections at Telangana govt. hospital; inquiry ordered

The Telangana government has constituted a four-member inquiry committee to investigate the complications reported in five women who underwent Caesarean section (C-section) surgeries at the Area Hospital in Banswada, Kamareddy district, on July 9 and 10. The women developed post-operative complications and were shifted to Government General Hospital, Nizamabad, and later to Nizam’s Institute of Medical Sciences (NIMS), Hyderabad, for specialised treatment.

The committee has been tasked with examining whether C-sections were medically indicated in each case, whether prescribed clinical protocols were followed, identifying any lapses and fixing responsibility, besides recommending measures to prevent recurrence of such incidents.

Speaking to The Hindu, M. Vijay Bhaskar, Medical Superintendent, Banswada and in-charge District Coordinator of Health Services (DCHS), Kamareddy said a total of 10 Caesarean sections were performed over two days, with five surgeries conducted on July 9 and another five on July 10. The first patient developed hypotension late on the night of July 9 and was referred to Nizamabad. Another woman complained of chest pain on the evening of July 10 and was also referred. As the cases initially appeared unrelated, there was no immediate concern. However, when three more women developed complications and required referral on July 11, officials recognised a possible pattern and initiated a detailed review.

Mr. Bhaskar said he inspected the operation theatre, reviewed the drugs used during the surgeries and visited the referred patients at Government General Hospital, Nizamabad. After finding that three women had low urine output and were showing signs suggestive of acute kidney injury, he decided to shift them to NIMS, where dialysis facilities were available. Eventually, all five women were shifted to the Hyderabad hospital for treatment.

The DCHS said three of the women underwent dialysis, with two responding well to treatment. Their kidney function improved, dialysis was discontinued and they were shifted to the general ward. One patient continues to receive treatment in the Medical Intensive Care Unit (MICU). Of the remaining five women who had undergone C-sections at Banswada but did not develop complications, seven of the total 10 mothers had already been discharged after suture removal, while the others were reported to be recovering.

“A preliminary report has already been submitted to the government and a final report incorporating additional observations and interactions with the patients undergoing treatment is being prepared,” he added.