A 35-year-old Namitha Sebastian, a Kochi native, died in Canada just hours after undergoing surgery. She had undergone shoulder dislocation surgery at the University Hospital of Northern British Columbia. Her family alleges a medical lapse led to her death.
Her husband, Jithin Jacob Thomas, told Onmanorama that she was still in a half-conscious state from the anaesthesia she received before the surgery when she was discharged.
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“She could barely hold herself upright. I held her in the wheelchair. If I had let go, she would have fallen to the ground," he was quoted by Onmanorama.
The family now plans to examine possible medical negligence once the autopsy report is released.
In 2023, Namitha underwent a medical procedure in Vancouver to manage a seizure disorder. What appeared strange for the family was Namitha's medical history and the speed with which she was discharged.
The question asked by her family is: Why was she not kept under observation overnight after receiving anaesthesia?
Why post-operative care is critically important
Post-operative care is critically important. It acts as a bridge between surgery and full recovery. It reduces the risk of infections, blood clots, and complications while managing pain, ensuring proper healing and preventing hospital readmission.
It is during the recovery period that the body responds and heals. One of the key goals of postoperative care is to support the body's natural healing process.
According to the National Institutes of Health, silent cardiac arrest after surgery related to anaesthesia is a rare but critical, often preventable, event. It often occurs due to respiratory depression, medication effects, or undetected cardiovascular instability in recovery areas.
Depending on the surgery, there are some mandatory and immediate post-operative care requirements in the hospital.
*Immediate recovery: Continuous monitoring of airway, breathing, consciousness, and vitals (blood pressure, pulse, temperature) by nursing staff.
*Managing pain: Regular assessment and administration of pain medication as prescribed.
*Wound care: Specialised nursing staff will clean and dress surgical incisions, checking for signs of infection (redness, swelling, drainage).
*Monitoring IV fluids and checking urinary/gastrointestinal output.
*Prevention of complications: Encouraging early mobilisation (moving legs, walking) to prevent blood clots and deep breathing exercises to prevent lung issues.