Woman Sues After Needle Left in Pelvis Post-Surgery
A woman is taking legal action following a gynaecological operation at the Materno Insular Hospital in Gran Canaria on 19 August 2025, during which a surgical needle was left in her pelvis for nearly two months. Her representatives have filed a claim against the healthcare services for damages.
According to her legal team, a Vicryl 0 suture needle broke during the operation, leaving a fragment embedded in her body. Medical records from the hospital confirm the presence of the foreign body.
The lawsuit calls for an investigation into the actions of the head of the Gynaecology and Obstetrics Department and other involved healthcare professionals. As of now, no judicial ruling has determined responsibility for the incident.
The patient claims she was informed about the retained needle after her operation and was discharged on 21 August, despite still having the foreign object inside her.
A radiograph taken at Vithas Las Palmas Hospital on 16 September identified a metallic object in her pelvis, consistent with a surgical needle, a finding also confirmed by ultrasound.
The needle remained in her pelvis until it was finally removed via laparoscopy at a private hospital on 17 October 2025, approximately 59 days after the original surgery.
Additionally, she visited the Materno Infantil Hospital on 6 September due to vaginal bleeding, but alleges this visit is not documented in her clinical records. During that visit, she was told the bleeding might be linked to the potential movement or expulsion of the retained needle, a claim her representatives say is supported by electronic communications and an included expert report.
Planned Extraction Cancelled
The lawsuit states that an extraction of the needle was scheduled for 8 October by the Canarian Health Service, but the patient claims it was cancelled the day before due to the medical professional’s sick leave. She was not immediately assigned another surgical team or a new date.
After inquiring about rescheduling her surgery, she was informed it was still pending. Frustrated by the lack of a timely solution, she sought treatment at Vithas Las Palmas Hospital, where the needle was successfully removed on 17 October.
So far, the Canarian Health Service has not responded to this lawsuit. However, the responsible doctor told La Provincia that she had no record of the patient submitting any claims and indicated that they would review the case if one were filed.
