Mysterious 'Dinner Plate-Sized' Device Discovered in Woman's Abdomen Years After C-Section

A surgical tool the size of a dinner plate, known as an Alexis retractor, was discovered inside a woman's abdomen 18 months after her cesarean birth. The woman experienced chronic pain for months before the device was found on an abdominal CT scan and immediately removed. New Zealand's Health and Disability Commissioner found the Auckland District Health Board in breach of patient rights and recommended policy revisions. The health board initially blamed a nurse for the error. The case has been referred for further action, and the health board apologized for the incident, stating that such incidents are rare.