Man does self-surgery after watching YouTube, hospitalized

By Sagaya Fernando | March 22, 2025

 

"Illustration of a man attempting self-surgery
 after watching a YouTube tutorial

Mathura, India – In a shocking case of self-medication gone wrong, a 32-year-old man from Uttar Pradesh attempted to perform surgery on himself after watching YouTube videos. The man, identified as Raja Babu, had been experiencing severe abdominal pain for months and, frustrated by ineffective medical consultations, decided to take matters into his own hands.

According to reports, Raja Babu purchased surgical supplies, including a scalpel, sutures, and anaesthetic injections, from a local pharmacy. On the morning of March 19, he locked himself in his room and made a seven-inch incision on the lower right side of his abdomen. However, as the anaesthesia wore off, he began experiencing unbearable pain and excessive bleeding. Unable to control the situation, he alerted his family, who rushed him to the Mathura district hospital.

Medical professionals at the hospital were astounded by the severity of his injuries. Dr. Shashi Ranjan, a medical officer at the hospital, confirmed that Raja Babu had improperly stitched his wound with 10 - 12 incorrect sutures, significantly increasing the risk of infection. Due to his critical condition, he was immediately referred to SN Medical College in Agra for specialized treatment.

Authorities revealed that Raja Babu had undergone an appendectomy nearly 15 years ago and had been experiencing recurrent pain in the same area. Despite multiple medical consultations, doctors were unable to diagnose the exact cause, which led him to resort to self-surgery in a desperate bid for relief.

His nephew, Rahul, confirmed that Raja Babu had extensively researched surgical procedures online before attempting the operation. “He was convinced he could find the source of his pain and remove it himself,” Rahul stated. “Unfortunately, it only worsened his condition.”

Medical experts warn against the dangers of self-surgery, citing the risks of severe infection, internal injuries, and complications arising from unregulated use of anaesthetics. Dr. Ranjan emphasized that surgeries require a sterile environment and professional expertise, which are impossible to replicate at home. “Even minor procedures carry significant risks if performed without medical supervision,” he added.

The incident has sparked renewed concerns over the spread of unverified medical content online. Experts urge platforms like YouTube to regulate DIY medical videos that could mislead viewers into attempting dangerous procedures.

As of the latest reports, Raja Babu remains in critical condition at SN Medical College in Agra, where doctors are closely monitoring his recovery. Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances leading up to the incident and are urging the public to seek professional medical care rather than relying on unverified online sources.