Investigation and inquest
On 17 March 2023, I commenced an investigation into the death of Lady Lola Kay CROUCH, AGE 80. The investigation concluded at the end of the inquest on 30 January 2025. The conclusion of the inquest was 1a Multi-Organ Failure 1b Small Bowel Obstruction 1c Leiomyosarcoma of Small Intestine (operated) and Abdominal Adhesions following Hysterectomy 2 Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
A combination of malignancy and adhesions caused small bowel obstruction. Lady Lola was a high risk of developing adhesions due her historical abdominal procedures. An inpatient CT scan in December 2022 showed potential malignancy was not followed up.
Circumstances of the death
Lady Lola Kay Crouch had a history of hysterectomy and laparotomies and died at Broomfield Hospital on 26 February 2023 of Multi-Organ Failure due to Small Bowel Obstruction caused by Leiomyosarcoma of Small Intestine (operated) and Abdominal Adhesions following Hysterectomy in a background of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. A CT Scan in December 2022 showed small bowel obstruction with suspicion for a mass lesion that was not followed up. Lady Lola was treated for vomiting and abdominal pain on attended to hospital overnight and sent home on 23 February 2023. Lady Lola reattended approximately 10 hours later with worsening symptoms and nasogastric tube was inserted approximately 6 hours after directed. A CT Scan confirmed
malignancy at the same site as the original scan. Lady Lola deteriorated with vomiting and metabolic derangement that required emergency laparotomy with bowel resection and histology confirmed localised Leiomyosarcoma of the small intestine.
Coroner’s concerns
(1) Lady Lola was not informed of the findings of potential malignancy from a CT scan in December 2022. This was not followed up and was then not given as part of the history when Lady Lola attended hospital in February 2023.
(2) Staffing levels – A Medical Emergency call was not triggered overnight on the surgical ward when elevated NEWS scores required medical review that was escalated but delayed due to doctor staffing levels.