A PATIENT screamed in agony after surgeons operated on her while she was conscious.
Nobody heard as she was wearing an oxygen mask while medics cut into her belly button in a gynaecological procedure.
The woman, in her 30s, said she has suffered PTSD since the surgery at Yeovil Hospital in 2018.
Medical negligence lawyers said she was given a spinal rather than general anaesthetic.
The woman said of her PTSD: “I have these images lying on a table with people watching me and not listening to my screams. It is terrible and I can wake up around three times a week due to this.
“I’m also now very nervous and paranoid around doctors too – my trust has just been shattered.
“While nothing will change what has happened to me, I just hope that lessons can be learned so no-one else faces similar problems in the future.”
The patient added that she was told by the surgeon that he had never undertaken such a procedure on a conscious patient, as she was taken into surgery.
The hospital has admitted liability and apologised for “any distress”.
A spokesman added: “A breakdown of communication led to the use of a different anaesthetic to that normally required for such an operation.”
He said the case has yet to be resolved with the claimant, who wants to remain anonymous.