DEATH UNDER ANAESTHETIC.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLV, Issue 2579, 12 May 1923, Page 3

DEATH UNDER ANAESTHETIC.

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 under an anaesthetic for the purpose of having the opera lion performed. The respiratory organs became flooded with liquid, and the patient was practically drowned! The insuest was on the Mrs Anita Gunderson, a widow, aged 64 years, who had died at Lewisham Hospital last week.

“In every ease where patients die under anaesthetic, I think it desirable as I have had in this instance, to have a full investigation of the circumstances,” stated the Coroner. “I think it is desirable in the interest of the medical profession and in the interests of the public.” The Coroner added that Mi’s Gundersen had put off the operation till her condition had become serious. An enormous gallstone had apparently ulcerated right through into the intestines and had caused a stoppage. A large collection of fluid was caused by the partial stoppage, and was vomited when Mrs Gundersen had choked herself. The surgeon and doctors were unable -to ascertain the presence of the collection of fluid, and could not reasonably anticipate the unusual form of vomiting. He returned a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence.