A young woman, a mother of 2 children, is in a medically induced coma after surgery due to suspected abdominal perforation. Her relatives told Bulgaria ON AIR that they suspect bad medical judgment. They also report rude treatment by medical personnel.
The nightmare for the family of 38-year-old Irena Pavlova began on January 31, when the woman was urgently sent from the hospital in Svoge to the capital’s “Pirogov” because of suspected abdominal perforation. At this point, she is conscious and moving on her own. Doctors confirm her diagnosis and perform emergency surgery.
“The doctor explained to us how the operation went. He said that what he saw were diverticula of the large intestine, that he removed 10 cm, because it was not visible where the break was,” said Irena’s mother – Emilia Koleva.
However, three days after the operation, Irena’s condition worsened. Abdominal pains begin, body temperature rises. A second operation is required.
10 days after the second operation, the doctors perform a third intervention. It is found that her condition is very serious. And the relatives suspect that there was a medical error. They make a request to the Ministry of Health for an external consultant and after a long wait they meet with the director of the hospital.
In addition to being outraged by the rude treatment, Irena’s relatives are also demanding an inspection by the Ministry of Health, as they doubt that the woman’s condition was caused by a medical error. They are also calling for assistance in finding an outside consultant in the hope that he will help the young mother return home to her children.
“My sister is 38 years old. She is currently on maternity leave, she has a baby. She was always with her children, she never left her side even for a day. The older child constantly asks where mom is and why she doesn’t come home,” said the sister of Irena – Theodora.
In its position, “Pirogov” indicated to Bulgaria ON AIR that the director of the hospital personally issued a resolution “for full assistance” to any request from the relatives. An investigation has been ordered into the case to determine whether there were any lapses in treatment. The Ministry of Health announced that the inspection will be carried out by “Medical Supervision”.
See more in Borislav Alexova’s report