AIIMS goofs up on mastectomy surgery

New Delhi, May 1 (UNI) For 45-year-old Kumud Devi undergoing mastectomy of her right breast at AIIMS has been most traumatic experience of her life.

The post-operation pathology report of the tissue which was removed revealed that she did not have breast cancer.

But AIIMS authorities insist that Kumud was suffering from breast cancer and there was a mix-up of tissues sent to the pathology department after the surgery on April 3.

''Reports from Breast Imaging Radiology Data System (BRIAD) revealed grade V, which is an indication of definite cancer.

The patient was subjected to FNAC where the pathologist also confirmed cancer,'' AIIMS spokesperson Y K Gupta said.

''Looking at the histopathology report (post surgery), it appears that there could be a mix-up of tissues, when transporting from operation theatre to pathology department, as the tissues are sent in multiples,'' he added.

Kumud, who hails from Bihar, came to AIIMS for an examination in February after detecting a lump in her right breast. After several tests, she was told that she had to undergo a mastectomy as it was cancerous.

''We got her here as it is the best hospital. She was upset about it, but we didn't want to take a chance,'' said Vikas Pandey, Kumud's son.

Oncosurgeon Dr Anurag Srivastav and his group operated on Kumud Devi on April 3, after her cyto-pathology report told that she had cancer.

But the family got a shock when they collected Kumud's post-surgery biopsy report. The report said she didn't have cancer.

''I couldn't believe my eyes. I immediately went to the doctors, but they didn't pay any attention and told me that they would ask for a retest. They said they knew my mother had cancer and asked me to take the medicine and go,'' said Vikas.

UNI NR AE AS1724