Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Widow died after surgeon's error

Thursday 12 January 2012 20:00 EST
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

A widow died on the operating table when an experienced surgeon unintentionally tried to remove her liver instead of a kidney, an inquest heard.

Amy Francis, a 77-year-old retired accountant from St Julians in Newport, South Wales, died of internal bleeding and heart trauma at the Royal Gwent Hospital in July 2010.

Consultant urologist Dr Adam Carter relived the moment he discovered his fatal mistake in court yesterday. The victim's son, Alan Francis, went on to wish him well.

The court heard a trainee surgeon tried to carry out the keyhole surgery but handed over to Dr Carter. "The peritoneum had been breached and the liver fell down and became more accessible than it usually is," Dr Carter told the inquest. He added that the kidney may well have been pulled down out of place as well.

David Bowen, the coroner for Gwent, recorded a narrative verdict.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in