Family alleges medical negligence after man dies following keyhole surgery

Kochi: Family of a 54-year-old man, who died following a keyhole surgery, filed a complaint with Edathala police against a private hospital in Aluva alleging medical negligence. Meanwhile, the hospital denied the charges.Biju N T of Kadungamangalam in Chottanikkara, died on Monday. As per the complaint filed by his brother Binu, Biju was admitted to the hospital on June 25 following spinal pain. A surgery was conducted on June 27; however, Biju died on June 30.On Tuesday, family members and people's representatives from Chottanikkara panchayat protested in front of the hospital with the deceased's body. According to Shilji Ravi, a ward member, soon after the keyhole surgery, Biju complained of a bloated abdomen."He also suffered extreme pain. When his condition was brought to the attention of doctors, they said it was because of gastric issues. The next day too, the family raised the issue with the doctors. Later, a scan showed that a vein in the spine was cut. Later, two more surgeries were conducted on him and his condition worsened. He was on ventilator support till June 30," she said, adding that family members stated during the protest meeting that a video showed the doctor admitting to a botched surgery.Meanwhile, hospital authorities said that he was provided proper treatment. The statement said that they themselves demanded an autopsy of Biju to know the exact cause of death. The hospital said they would cooperate with the enquiry.Edathala police registered a case for unnatural death.