Woman's hands, feet amputated at top hospital; family cries foul

NEW DELHI: Family of a 44-year-old woman has lodged a police complaint alleging that doctors of a top private hospital here have amputated both her hands and feet following an intestinal surgery without their consent, a charge denied by the hospital.

Premwati, a resident of Shahbad Mohammadpur of South West Delhi, had complained of stomach pain and fever following which she was admitted to Max hospital in Saket in August 7, according to the brother of the patient.

Doctors, after carrying out the necessary investigations, said that the patient had perforation of the intestine and required an operation.

"The doctors said that they wanted to operate her and we gave our consent. But, after the surgery, doctors said that she has developed severe sepsis and that they have to cut couple of her fingers which had got infected.

"But then, without our consent, they amputated her both the hands and feet which is not acceptable," said the brother P R Saini.

However, according to Max hospital authorities, after evaluation of Premwati she was diagnosed with septic shock, acute renal failure and perforation of the intestine and was immediately taken up for life saving emergency surgery on August 7.

Post-surgery, she was shifted to surgical ICU, where she was on ventilator support and inotropic support due to her critical condition, they said.

The Max authorities claimed that they took consent from the patient's attendants before the amputation surgery.

"Because of acute septicaemia, she developed gangrene of both upper and lower limb. The patient underwent amputation of the gangrenous parts by the orthopaedic team after thorough pre-operative evaluation and consent from the patient's attendants.

"The family was duly explained the criticality of her condition upon which as per necessary processes they also signed a high-risk consent form... At present, the patient is in the ICU and she is being attended to by multiple specialists," said a statement issued by Super Specialty Hospital.

The family of Premwati has lodged a police complaint at Saket police station. However, no FIR has been registered in the case so far.

"We have received the complaint and have sought details of the case from the hospital. The investigations are underway," said a senior police official.