A woman has discovered a scalpel that was allegedly left in her uterus by doctors when she gave birth a year ago.
Daiana Santos Almeida, 30, gave birth at the University Hospital of Taubate in the city of the same name in the Brazilian state of Sao Paulo a year ago.
Following the birth, the mother, who lives in another municipality, reportedly felt discomfort in her belly, which she described as a burning sensation.
When a lump appeared in her belly after she lost a lot of weight, she underwent follow-up examinations at the Regional Hospital of Sao Jose dos Campos in the city of the same name.
An examination carried out earlier this month revealed the metallic object embedded in her body. According to the medical report, it measures 6.6×6.1×4.3 centimetres (2.6×2.4×1.7 inches).
It is not known what the object is. However, it has been speculated it may be a part of an electric scalpel or possibly part of a pair of scissors, as Daiana gave birth via caesarian section.
After being discharged from hospital after giving birth, the mother went back to enquire about her discomfort. However, she was given a checkup and told everything was normal at the time.
Nonetheless, she was left in such discomfort that she found and still finds it difficult to pick up her baby girl, Ana Clara, and hold the youngster in her arms.
She was also left unable to work and has been left terrified that she could develop an infection at any moment.
Despite the alleged medical error, the woman reportedly does not yet have a date for an operation to have it removed. However, she is expecting news of her surgery imminently.
