What Your Referral Note Should (and Shouldn’t) Say

Issue - September - 2025, Posted On: 01 September 2025

A pathologist underwent laparoscopic cystectomy for a right ovarian cyst at a private nursing home. Two days after being discharged, she was rushed back with severe abdominal pain and distension.

The treating surgeon initially brushed it off as gastric trouble. But as her condition worsened, she was shifted to another hospital. A CT scan suggested peritonitis. An exploratory laparotomy confirmed a colon tear measuring around 4–5 cm. Septic shock had already set in.

She underwent emergency surgery and ileostomy, followed by prolonged ICU care and hospitalisation. The ordeal left her with a stoma bag and significant physical and emotional trauma. She filed a complaint, alleging negligence during the original surgery.

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