A mother-of-two passed away unexpectedly days after undergoing the tummy tuck procedure at a private clinic.
Susan Kellock from Stonehouse, England, traveled to St Joseph’s Hospital in Newport for liposuction and tummy tuck – a cosmetical procedure to remove excess, stretched-out skin from the stomach.
While the inquest heard that the abdominoplasty procedure at the private clinic went well, complications with Susan’s health arose five days later following her return home.
When the woman was picking flowers in her garden, she collapsed suddenly and emergency services were called. Sadly, she died just hours later that same day.
It has since been revealed that Susan died of pulmonary thrombosis after a blood clot blocked the artery in her lung, leading to a lack of blood supply to the organ.
While the causes of blood clots may vary, a change in physical condition – such as recent surgery or pregnancy – often plays a role in their appearance.
As a pathologist told the inquest, the woman’s immobility following her cosmetic procedure was most likely the reason for the blood clot’s formation.
“She had the operation in St Joseph’s Hospital in Newport and it was reported as being successful by the surgeon,” Jeremy Hilton, Susan’s partner, said as he revealed she had long wanted the procedure because of the excess skin on her stomach.
“She was provided with documentation for potential issues and had already undertaken her own research at an early stage in proceedings, regarding risk as she had not previously undergone elective surgery before.
“She was not prescribed any blood thinning medication, only pain management and laxatives, when she was discharged on September 20, two days after the operation.”
Hilton went on to explain that his partner rested for the following few days but stay somewhat mobile around the house.
Recalling the tragic day Susan collapsed in the garden, he added: “Susan went out into the garden to pick some sweet peas for use in a floral display.
“I went out a few minutes later to see how she was getting on and found her flat out on her back with her arms outstretched. She tried to speak to me and was fighting to breathe.”
Speaking out was also Sherif Wilson, a plastic surgeon working at St Joseph’s Hospital, who insisted no wrongdoing was committed on the hospital’s side before, during, or after the procedure.
“The operation went well. It lasted for two-and-a-half hours and there was no problem with the procedure,” he revealed.
“Ms Kellock left surgery wearing a pressure garment which I told her should remain in place for six weeks along with surgical stockings. My anesthetist would have indicated to me if she had any concerns with the patient.
“All patients are given a full debrief by the medical team before they are discharged. I didn’t prescribe Heparin (an anticoagulant) because of the potential of post-operative bleeding, which outweighed any therapeutic benefit.”
The hospital’s clinical service director, Jan Green, added:
“We always advise that when patients feel physically well enough after an operation they should start exercising by walking around the corridors and taking themselves to the bathroom.
“We wouldn’t direct them to walk half-a-mile, but we would encourage them to get mobile as fast as they can to aid recovery.”
Our thoughts remain with Susan’s family and friends during this challenging time.
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