Woman killed by hysterectomy op (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Woman killed by hysterectomy op

JEAN Evans died following a routine operation at Great Western Hospital, an inquest has heard.

The 63-year-old of Highworth, died after a vaginal hysterectomy in 2003.

Doctors said she had contracted an infection, either during or after surgery, but told yesterday's hearing they couldn't have done any more to prevent it.

Mrs Evans went into GWH in September 2003 after a vaginal prolapse, which is when the muscles supporting the uterus, pelvic floor and vagina become weak.

After the operation she developed an infection, the cause of which doctors are unable to determine.

Doctors gave Mrs Evans antibiotics but her condition deteriorated and she suffered multi-organ failure.

In a written statement read to the inquest, Mrs Evans daughter, Joanne Shoesmith, said: "I first I knew about my mother going to have an operation was just before she was going into hospital.

"I think she didn't mention she was having gynaecological problems because she didn't want to worry us."

Ms Shoesmith, of Highworth, described how she had visited her mother throughout her time at the hospital and had seen her condition worsen.

"When I left the hospital I was more relaxed because mum was in ICU. I thought that was the best place for her," she said.

"When she died I felt numb but angry and I felt something should've been done.

"Later I felt someone had killed her."

A statement from Mrs Evans' husband John told how upset he was that his wife had died after going in fit and healthy.

"I can't begin to describe how I feel about loss of my wife after so many years," the statement said.

Mr Majumdar, the consultant on Mrs Evans case, told the inquest it was a routine procedure and that in his 30 years of practice he had never seen a patient die as a result of a hysterectomy.

He said that he and his colleague had discussed all the risks involved with Mrs Evans but she had insisted on surgery.

"The risks of surgery increase with age," he said. "But it is a condition that advances with age, and we would operate on older women than Mrs Evans."

Mr Majumdar said the operation itself had been uneventful and there was nothing to concern him.

When asked by coroner David Masters if the infection could have been treated any sooner, Mr Majumdar said no.

"Pelvic haematoma and septicaemia are a common risk of all pelvic surgery.

"I do not think the infection could have been identified any sooner." The inquest is due to reach its conclusion tomorrow.