Tubal ligation: Can be fatal?

A 25 years old female had consulted to a gynecologist for permanent abdominal tubal ligation. After few hours of operation, she developed itching all over body, breathlessness and abdominal pain. She went into shock gradually. The gynecologist had given emergency and supportive treatment but she succumbed and was declared death. Cause of death was given as “Cardio-respiratory arrest”. Medico-legal examination was demanded by her husband to know the cause of death. Autopsy revealed hemo-peritoneum due to cut over left ovarian vessels. Legal, medical and ethical aspects are discussed in this paper.