Investigation and inquest
On 3 May 2024 I commenced an investigation into the death of DAVID HEFFER, AGE 84. The investigation concluded at the end of the inquest on 23 April 2025. The conclusion of the inquest was
I(a) Septicaemia
(b) Acute peritonitis
(c) Duodenal and Omental Perforation Post Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography
(d)
II Ischaemic Heart Disease, Obstructive Jaundice
Mr Heffer died from a rare but recognised complication of a necessary medical procedure and the stent added to the risk of this complication.
Circumstances of the death
David Heffer died on 13 April 2024 of Septicaemia due to Acute Peritonitis secondary to Duodenal and Omental Perforation Post Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) on 8 April 2024 for Obstructive Jaundice in a background of Ischaemic Heart Disease. Mr Heffer was discharged the
same day as the ERCP and readmitted on 9 April 2024 in severe pain and diagnosed with biliary sepsis and perforation. Mr Heffer received treatment for sepsis but was not suitable for surgical intervention due to his underlying bladder cancer and probable cholangiocarcinoma.
Coroner’s concerns
(1) The treating doctor was not informed when Mr Heffer was readmitted with a complication of the ERCP procedure, and his advice was not sought about potential causes of the complication. The treating doctor only found out about the readmission on contact from coroner’s office.
(2) The medical records did not contain all of the pertinent and relevant information and some were illegible causing difficulty in interpretation.