DEATH UNDER ANAESTHETIC

Manawatu Times, Volume XLVI, Issue 2644, 12 May 1923, Page 5

DEATH UNDER ANAESTHETIC

CAUSED BY UNUSUAL CONDITION [Per Press Association.] CHRISTCHURCH, Last Night. A most unusual cause of death was disclosed during the hearing of evidence respecting the death of an elderly woman who died pnder an anaesthetic for the purpose of having the operation performed. The respiratory organs became flooded with liquid, and the patient was practically drowned. The Inquest was on the Mrs Anita Gunderson, a widow, aged >l4 years, who had died at Lewisham Hospital last week. “In every case where patients die under anaesthetics, 1 think it desirable as I have had in this instance, to have a full investigation of the circumstances,” stated the Coroner. “L think it is desirable in the interest of the medical profession and in ‘interests of the public.” The Coroner added that Mrs Gunderson had put off the operation till her condition had become serious. An enormous gall--stone had apparently ulcerated right through into the intestines and had caused a stoppage. A large collection v of fluid was caused by the partial stoppage, and was vomited when Mrs Gunderson had choked herself. The surgeon and doctors were unable to ascertain the presence of the collection of fluid, and could not reason-j ably anticipate the unusual form of, vomiting. He returned a verdict in ( accordance with the siedlcal evidence.,