Woman Dies in Kano Four Months After Doctors Allegedly Left Scissors Inside Her During Surgery

Aishatu Umar, a mother of five, has died in Kano state after a pair of surgical scissors was reportedly left inside her abdomen during an earlier operation at the Abubakar Imam Urology Centre. The incident has raised serious concerns about medical negligence and patient safety in government hospitals.

Ejes Gist News reports that Umar died on Sunday while undergoing corrective surgery to remove the forgotten scissors, which had been inside her since a prior procedure at the facility in September 2025.

Months of Suffering Before Discovery

Relatives said Umar endured prolonged and severe abdominal pain following her initial surgery. Abubakar Mohammed, a family member, alleged that despite multiple visits to the hospital, her complaints were largely ignored and she was only given pain-relief medication.

“She underwent surgery at the Abubakar Imam Urology Centre in September. After that, she complained of severe abdominal pain for months,” Mohammed said. “Each time she returned to the hospital, she was given painkillers. It was only two days ago that scans were carried out, and that was when doctors discovered that scissors had been forgotten inside her body. Plans were made for another surgery, but she passed away before it could be done.”

Also Read : You Negotiate With Bandits, But Arrest Students Protesting Insecurity — Atiku Slams APC Government

The family has expressed frustration over what they describe as a lack of urgency and proper medical response from the facility during the period of her illness.

Government Hospital Response

In response to public concern, the Kano State Hospitals Management Board announced that it had ordered an immediate investigation into the incident. Mansur Nagoda, the executive secretary of the board, directed a full probe into the circumstances surrounding Umar’s death.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by Samira Suleiman, the board’s spokesperson, the management said it recognized the distressing nature of the reports and acknowledged the family’s complaints regarding Umar’s deteriorating condition while under medical care.

“The executive secretary has directed that an immediate and thorough investigation be carried out to establish the facts of what transpired at the Abubakar Imam Urology Centre,” the statement read. “The investigation will be transparent, impartial and professional. Appropriate actions will be taken in line with established regulations should any negligence be established.”

The board expressed condolences to Umar’s family and reaffirmed its commitment to patient safety, stating that the matter would be treated with the seriousness it warrants.

Broader Implications for Medical Safety

The case has drawn attention to the issue of surgical errors in Nigeria, particularly in public health facilities. Incidents where surgical instruments are left inside patients, known medically as retained foreign objects, are considered serious medical errors and can lead to life-threatening complications if not detected promptly.

According to medical guidelines, hospitals are required to follow strict surgical counts, post-operative imaging when indicated, and continuous monitoring to prevent such errors. Failure to adhere to these procedures exposes healthcare providers to both civil liability and professional disciplinary action.

Experts in patient safety stress that prompt reporting, investigation, and corrective procedures are critical to reducing avoidable deaths. Delays in diagnosis, such as in Umar’s case, significantly increase the risk of complications and mortality.

Calls for Accountability

Civil society organizations and patient advocacy groups in Nigeria have called for strict accountability and legal recourse for the hospital if negligence is confirmed. They emphasize the need for stronger enforcement of patient safety protocols and regular audits in government health institutions.

The Kano State Hospitals Management Board has stated that its probe will cover all medical and administrative procedures related to Umar’s case, signaling potential reforms if systemic lapses are identified.

Key Facts of the Case

• Victim: Aishatu Umar, mother of five.
• Initial surgery: Conducted at Abubakar Imam Urology Centre, September 2025.
• Complication: Scissors allegedly left inside her abdomen.
• Outcome: Died on Sunday while undergoing corrective surgery.
• Investigation: Ordered by Kano State Hospitals Management Board.
• Statement: Board assures transparent, impartial, and professional probe.

The investigation into Umar’s death is ongoing. The outcome may have implications for surgical practices and patient safety oversight in Kano state and beyond.