Woman, 53, Has Pain After Tummy Tuck at Private Clinic. 7 Months Later, Doctor Finds Scissors Left in Her Body

A woman from Naples has made serious allegations against a surgeon who reportedly left surgical scissors inside her abdomen following a tummy tuck procedure. The incident, which has raised considerable concern within the medical community, occurred on October 25, 2025, when the 53-year-old patient underwent the procedure at a private clinic.

Upon returning home after the operation, the patient began to experience severe discomfort and pain. According to reports from the Italian newspaper L’Unione Sarda, she even lost consciousness shortly thereafter. In distress, she sought advice by calling an emergency service, which instructed her to go to a hospital for further evaluation.

Upon contacting the surgeon who performed her procedure, the physician attributed the woman’s symptoms to typical post-surgical recovery. The surgeon subsequently ordered tests, which confirmed the presence of an infection. Antibiotics were prescribed, yet the patient’s condition continued to deteriorate.

After seven months of ongoing complications, the woman opted to seek a second opinion at a different medical facility in Naples. During this assessment, diagnostic imaging revealed the shocking discovery of surgical scissors lodged in her abdomen. This grave oversight prompted concern from the medical staff, who communicated their findings to the original surgeon instead of directing her to emergency surgery, as reported by Cronache della Campania citing her police complaint.

The surgeon allegedly contacted the patient following this revelation and suggested that she return to the same clinic for surgical intervention to remove the scissors. However, the patient, understandably distressed by the earlier negligence, declined this recommendation. She has since secured legal representation and is receiving assistance from the Domenico Caliendo Foundation, an organisation that provides support for individuals facing similar medical issues.

The situation highlights significant gaps in post-operative care and patient well-being, raising questions about practices within private medical facilities. It also underscores the importance of careful surgical procedures and thorough checks before the conclusion of any surgical operation.

The unnamed woman is now reportedly scheduled to undergo surgery to address the issue, though the exact timeline is yet to be confirmed. As her legal battle commences, her case may lead to broader discussions regarding accountability and safety within the medical field.

Efforts to reach the woman’s lawyer, Francesco Petruzzi, and the Polizia di Stato for further comment were unavailing as of Sunday, May 10. As this troubling story continues to unfold, the expectation is that it will spark a larger conversation surrounding patient safety and the standards upheld by surgical clinics.

As investigations develop, the call for stricter regulations in medical practices only grows louder, with the hope that such incidents can be prevented in the future. The repercussions of this case may not only impact the individuals involved but also shape the future of medical protocols across private healthcare facilities.