Billroth Hospital, Shenoy Nagar, Chennai, Shenoy Nagar

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Timeline of events:

1:00 p.m. – Endoscopic procedure completed

The endoscopic extraction procedure was completed. However, the fish bone could not be completely removed and surgical intervention was advised.

5:00 p.m. – Consultation with Dr. Kumar Gurubaran

Dr. Kumar Gurubaran, Head of Surgery, came to see us in the ward and explained the treatment plan. At that time, the plan discussed with us was laparotomy — opening the abdomen to facilitate removal of the fish bone.

As this was a major surgical procedure, my husband informed Dr. Gurubaran that we wanted to seek a second medical opinion before proceeding with surgery.

Around 9:30 p.m. – Discussion about shifting hospitals

Dr. Gurubaran came to the ward again. We informed him that we had decided to proceed with surgical removal at another hospital. He was clearly unhappy with our decision.

We were advised to arrange the patient's transfer at the earliest and were told that the hospital would not be responsible for any events after the decision to shift care, particularly in the event of treatment delays.

Later, at around 11:00 p.m., *** ********* ****** **** **** ************ ** ******* *** ***** ** * **** **** ** ***** *********** *** ************* **** ** ****** ***** *** ******** *** **** *** ******** ***** *** ** *********** *** ******** **** ******** ** ** *********** ** **** **** **** **** * ***** ** ********** * **** ******** ******* ******* ******* ******************* *********** *** ************ ******** *** **** ** **** **** ********* *** ********* ****** ** **** **** **** ******* ** **** *** ********** **** ******* ** ********* ** ***** *** *** ** ********* ***** *** *** ******* ********* ******* **********

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Fortunately, we were able to explain the circumstances to the insurance team, and they eventually agreed to process the cashless mediclaim. *** **** *** ********* ** ***** **** ***** ************ ********** ********* ****** ** ** ******* ********* *****

The following day

We also faced difficulties obtaining the CD containing my CECT scan images. The office staff were not cooperative *** ******** ********* to provide it. Although we wanted to complete the formalities and leave, we could finally leave the hospital only around 5:00 p.m.

The most important point I want to make is this:

We were not refusing medical treatment. We were seeking a second medical opinion before consenting to major surgery.

As a patient, I believe I have the right to understand my treatment options and seek another ********* doctor's opinion before undergoing an invasive procedure.************ **** *********** ** **** ********* *** *********** **** ** ******* ** **** ** ******* ********* *** *********** ** ******** ***** *************** *** **** ************** *** *** *********** ***** ** ** ***** ********* **** ** ******* *********** ******* ********* **** **** ***********

Thankfully, we trusted our instincts, sought another opinion and were able to move forward with treatment elsewhere. Looking back, we believe that deciding to seek a second opinion was ********* important.

I am sharing this experience so that other patients and families understand the importance of asking questions and seeking a second opinion when faced with a major surgical decision.

Patients come to hospitals at their most vulnerable. They deserve medical care, compassion, transparency and respect — especially when they exercise their right to seek a second opinion.

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