Mum died after bowel torn during routine op

By Kevin Doyle


Friday September 23 2011

A WOMAN'S bowel was torn during a routine procedure to remove an ovarian cyst, an inquest has heard.

Elizabeth Dempsey (60), of Bayside Glen, Brittis Road, Wicklow Town, Co Wicklow, suffered septic shock and died after the procedure at St Vincent's Private Hospital, Dublin, on July 26, 2010.

The initial plan was to remove the cyst by keyhole surgery, but that procedure had to be abandoned due to extensive adhesions and the surgeon proceeded to open surgery, Dublin Coroner's Court was told.

Ms Dempsey died at the hospital two days later.

After hearing the evidence, Coroner Dr Brian Farrell said he was satisfied it was the laparoscopy that caused the perforation.

He recorded a verdict of death by medical misadventure.

Speaking outside the court following the inquest, Ms Dempsey's son Colum said he was happy with the verdict.

hnews@herald.ie

- Kevin Doyle

http://www.herald.ie/news/mum-died-after-bowel-torn-during-routine-op-2885925.html