Mr. Sharma, a chronic diabetic, suffered a perianal abscess and was hospitalized. Dr. Roy performed Incision and Drainage (I&D). But the patient developed metabolic acidosis. He was transferred to Apollo Gleneagles where two more surgeries were performed. He was discharged after 15 days but with a permanent catheter.

Unable to accept his fate and medical condition, the patient approached the court, alleging that Dr. Roy had performed the surgery wrongly.

Dr. Roy’s reply was brief and supported by evidence. He pointed out that the abscess was the cause of high blood sugar and pain. The only treatment was to remove the abscess by I&D.

The State Consumer Commission, relying on the medical records, saw this as an open and shut case. The court found that Dr. Roy had diligently performed the I&D, but despite every precaution, the patient developed complications and had to be shifted. The court further found that even in the discharge summary of Apollo Gleneagles’ it was clearly recorded that the patient was a known diabetic, and cellulitis was spreading due to a perianal abscess, which subsequently led to Fournier’s Gangrene.

The doctor was declared innocent, and the patient’s sugar problem was the real devil!

Source:
Order pronounced by National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission, New Delhi on 12th January, 2015

Do’s & Don’ts

• Refer / transfer the patient to an appropriate facility / consultant, if indicated, in case of post-surgery complications
• Do not delay in referring / transferring a patient to an appropriate facility / consultant, when the same is indicated

Mr. Sharna, a chronic diabetic, suffered perianal abscess and was admitted to Serampore Surgical Nursing Home under the care of Dr. Roy. Incision and Drainage (I&D) for removal of abscess was performed, but that did not help the patient. He developed metabolic acidosis and had to be transferred to Apollo Gleneagles the same evening where two more surgeries were performed. Mr. Sharma was discharged after 15 days, but he was bed-ridden with a permanent catheter.

Unable to accept his fate and medical condition, the patient approached the Kolkata State Commission seeking compensation from Dr. Roy for wrongly performing the surgery.

Dr. Roy’s reply was as brief as the allegation, but unlike the allegation, it was evidence-based. It was stated that the abscess was the cause of high blood sugar and pain. The only treatment was to remove the abscess by I&D. However, after I&D, the patient’s health worsened and hence was shifted to Apollo Gleneagles for better treatment, the doctor concluded.

The State Commission, relying on the medical records, saw this as an open and shut case. It was observed from the evidence presented that Dr. Roy diligently performed the I&D but despite every precaution, the patient developed complications and had to be shifted to Apollo Gleneagles for better management. It was also observed from Apollo Gleneagles’ discharge summary that the patient was a known diabetic and there was spreading of cellulitis due to perianal abscess, which subsequently led to Fournier’s Gangrene.

The doctor was declared innocent, and patient’s sugar problem the real devil!

Source:
Order pronounced by National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission, New Delhi on 12th January, 2015

Do’s & Don’ts

• Keep copies / maintain records of prescriptions / OPD slips and such other documents that are usually handed over to the patient

Dr. Shorey’s Nursing Home & Anr. v/s Mrs. Radha Thakur & Ors.
10MLCD j380 – Punjab State Consumer Commission

In this case, the patient was advised ultrasound twice, but she refused to perform them. This fact was recorded by the obstetrician in both, the internal medical records as well as the OPD slip given to the patient. The patient did not produce any OPD slip in the court. The obstetrician’s produced the internal medical records and was able to prove her innocence.