Assam doctor faces showcause notice for performing 21 C-section surgeries in 10 hours

Guwahati: A senior gynaecologist at a civil hospital in Assam’s Morigaon district has been served a showcause notice by the district health authority following allegation of non-compliance with sterilisation and patient-safety protocols after performing 21 C-section deliveries within a span of 10 hours.Dr Kantheswar Bordoloi, medical and health officer, received the notice from the additional district commissioner (health), Morigaon, regarding the lower segment cesarean section (LSCS) procedures conducted on Sept 5 at the hospital’s major operating theatre, officials said on Monday.Dr Bordoloi defended his actions, stating that he is competent to conduct multiple surgeries in a limited timeframe. However, his actions have sparked concerns among the administration and health authorities.According to the letter, Dr Bordoloi performed 21 emergency LSCS operations between 3:40pm on Sept 5 and 1:50am on Sept 6 at the Major Operating Theatre of STHG Civil Hospital, Morigaon. The letter stated, “This raises a few serious concerns and hence in this regard, you are hereby directed to submit a comprehensive report for each of the above mentioned cases.”The doctor has been asked to provide detailed reports for each C-section delivery, including case preparation and adherence to sterilisation protocols.

Additionally, the administration has asked him to specify the standard operating procedures followed for sterilising surgical instruments during the procedures.Further, the administration has sought a report from Dr Bordoloi documenting any fetal distress cases admitted to the sick neonatal care unit that necessitated emergency LSCS operations, with clear justification for the interventions.The letter also noted that during a hospital visit on Sept 6, the ADC (health) observed that preoperative and postoperative notes were inadequately maintained.

It emphasised that detailed documentation is essential for infection control and for preventing maternal and infant morbidity and mortality.Responding to the notice, Dr Bordoloi told the media on Monday that he conducted the operations based on the patients’ and babies’ conditions and medical indications. “There is nothing unusual in what I have done,” he said. He added that he might resign from govt service if such “conspiracies” continue against him.

“Perhaps someone complained against me. But it’s not a big deal. Other doctors also perform many surgeries at such a pace,” he said.Dr Bordoloi explained that a single C-section typically takes 25 minutes, and in cases with fewer complications, he can complete a surgery in 15 minutes. He also noted that sterilisation can be managed alternately as there are two tables in the operating theatre.Of the 21 cases, he said 19 mothers and their babies have been discharged in stable condition. Two remain hospitalised, including one referred to Gauhati Medical College and Hospital.