Erbil man takes legal action after medical gauze left in abdomen for 7 years
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ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Medical gauze and other surgical items were discovered in the abdomen of a man from Erbil, years after he underwent two separate operations. The incident has prompted an official investigation, with the patient pursuing legal action against the surgeon responsible.
"I was in pain up until this year, 2025. My body and stomach constantly ached, but I didn't know the cause - until I recently visited a doctor and had an X-ray," Khidir Mohammed told Rudaw.
"He immediately pointed out that there was something unusual in my abdomen."
Mohammed underwent two surgical procedures approximately seven years ago.
Medical reports confirm that a piece of gauze measuring 7 by 5 centimeters was recently removed from his abdomen. However, his family claims that a seven-centimeter-long wire was also extracted during the procedure.
An investigative committee has been formed to look into the case.
'Honestly and with full integrity, I have probably participated in dozens of different committees. The truth is always revealed to the patient and the doctor, and everyone's rights are preserved,' he added.
'There are three coordinating parties in such incidents: the [Kurdistan Region] Ministry of Health, the Erbil Health Department, and the Doctors' Syndicate, which assigns a member or representative to oversee these cases,' said Amanj Wafayi, spokesperson for the Erbil branch of the Kurdistan Doctors' Syndicate, in an interview with Rudaw.
He added, 'Honestly, and with complete integrity, I have participated in dozens of committees. The truth is always revealed to both the patient and the doctor, ensuring that everyone's rights are upheld.'
Mohammed and his family have filed a legal complaint, as the doctor denies any wrongdoing, stating that neither he nor his team made such a mistake.
The doctor has declined to comment on the matter.
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