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Tragic Outcome After Surgical Oversight in Kano Hospital
A distressing medical error has led to the death of Aishatu Umar, a Nigerian mother of five, who passed away on January 11, 2026, following a corrective operation at the Abubakar Imam Urology Center in Kano State. The fatal incident occurred after surgeons inadvertently left a pair of scissors inside her abdomen during a procedure in September 2025.
Prolonged Suffering and Delayed Diagnosis
Following her initial surgery, Aishatu endured intense abdominal pain for four months. Despite multiple hospital visits, she was only prescribed painkillers, with no further investigation into the cause of her discomfort. It was only recently that comprehensive tests and imaging scans uncovered the foreign object lodged inside her body.
Family Speaks Out on Medical Negligence
Abubakar Mohammed, Aishatu’s brother-in-law, shared the heartbreaking details on social media, highlighting the negligence that led to her untimely death. He emphasized the emotional toll on the family and called for accountability from the healthcare providers involved.
“Aishatu was a beloved sister-in-law who suffered immensely after her surgery. Despite her repeated complaints, the hospital failed to identify the scissors left inside her. This oversight ultimately cost her life. We urge the Kano State Government and health authorities to conduct a thorough investigation and ensure justice is served.”
Implications for Healthcare Standards in Nigeria
This tragic case underscores the critical need for stringent surgical protocols and patient safety measures in Nigerian hospitals. According to the World Health Organization, retained surgical items occur in approximately 1 in 5,500 surgeries globally, but such incidents are preventable with proper surgical counts and checks.
Recent efforts in Nigeria to improve healthcare quality include the introduction of surgical safety checklists and enhanced training for medical staff. However, cases like Aishatu’s reveal gaps that must be urgently addressed to restore public trust and prevent future tragedies.
Calls for Reform and Justice
The family’s plea extends beyond this individual case, demanding systemic reforms and stricter oversight by health regulatory bodies. They advocate for transparent investigations and punitive measures against medical negligence to safeguard patients nationwide.
