Thai woman discovers surgical needle in vagina after enduring pain for 18 years

A Thai woman, who has been enduring intense pain for the nearly two decades, have found that a nursing staff accidentally left a needle in her vagina during post-childbirth suturing at a hospital in Narathiwat province.

The patient (36) reported that following the incident, a physician attempted to extract the misplaced needle manually but was unsuccessful. Due to concerns about excessive bleeding, the doctor proceeded with the stitching without removing the needle, The Independent reported.

She approached the Pavena Foundation for Children and Women on November 4 for support, explaining that she has experienced persistent lower abdominal discomfort since the incident. Recent radiographic evidence confirmed the needle's presence, leading local medical professionals to refer her for surgical intervention in Songkhla province.

The surgical removal has faced multiple delays because of the needle's movement within her body. Her condition requires frequent hospital visits, occurring at least four times monthly, creating substantial financial difficulties.
"Her family is poor, so she asked Paveena to help," the foundation stated on their website recently.

The foundation's leader, Pawina Hongsakul, has secured an appointment at a public hospital and arranged transportation assistance through the provincial department of social development and human security.
The timeline for the needle removal surgery remains uncertain, as does any potential legal action against the hospital for negligence.

A similar incident occurred in June when another Thai woman faced life-threatening complications after medical staff left gauze in her uterus during cancer treatment, resulting in a serious infection.