DEATH UNDER CHLOROFORM

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXVII, Issue 8354, 14 February 1913, Page 7

DEATH UNDER CHLOROFORM

Press Association. DUNEDIN, February 13. An inquest was held this afternoon on the body of Elizabeth Young, aged sixty-five years, wife of Anthony Young, of Fairfax, who died at the hospital early this morning while under chloroform. The medical evidence showed that the deceased had been suffering from cancer and that the only chance of recovery was to undergo an operation. Her general condition was not at all satisfactory, and it was recognised that there was grave risk both in regard to an anaesthetic and an operation. The operation had to be performed in two stages. She came through the first stage very well, and but little more .remained to bo done. During the second operation the patient suddenly collapsed. In spite of alld efiorts she could not bo rasuscitated. The second operation was not serious, and the hemorrhage practically nil. The patient died from respiratory failure duo to the anaesthetic. About three weeks elapsed between the operations. Deceased made an excellent recovery after the first anaesthetic was used. This was ether, which was the safest that could .he used. Deceased had been in poor health for two years, and very had during the last eight months. The coroner found that death was due to heart failure eff-.- - rcridcrecl ■ . i,y • a operation.