A Weobley woman died shortly after undergoing abdominal surgery at Hereford County Hospital, an inquest heard.
Rosemarie Lefevre-Maiden, who moved to the county from South Africa, had been bed-ridden since 1997 and received the surgery to relieve a bowel complaint.
But soon after the keyhole operation she inhaled her own vomit and the 62- year-old died.
Consultant surgeon Brendon McIlroy told the inquest that the operation was successful but unfortunately “an escalation of symptoms” had followed.
Pathologist Dr Paul Dunn said a bowel operation can reduce its functioning, raising the chance of added fluid and increased vomiting.
Ms Lefevre-Maiden, who lived at Burtonwood, Weobley, was seen on the evening of her death – December 3 last year – by nurse Catherine Clifton, who described her as appearing comfortable and alert.
But less than 20 minutes later Ms Clifton was called back to her bedside by a colleague after her patient collapsed and become unresponsive.
Unsuccessful resuscitation attempts were made.
Assistant deputy coroner Roland Wooderson said Ms Lefevre-Maiden died following the aspiration of vomit.
He recorded a verdict of death by natural causes.
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