Coroner's Finding: Clancy, Carmen Jayne
Deceased
Carmen Jayne Clancy
Demographics
37y, female
Date of death
2022-09-27
Finding date
2026-06-19
Cause of death
sepsis secondary to rectosigmoid perforation on a background of metastatic squamous cell cervical cancer
AI-generated summary
Carmen Jayne Clancy, aged 37, died on 27 September 2022 from sepsis secondary to rectosigmoid perforation caused by metastatic cervical cancer. Incarcerated on home detention following a cancer diagnosis in 2021, she underwent chemotherapy and radiotherapy but her cancer recurred with widespread metastases. In August 2022, malignant invasion of the colon caused perforation requiring emergency laparotomy and Hartmann's procedure. Post-operative complications developed including rectal stump perforation and enterocutaneous fistula, ultimately leading to sepsis and death. The coroner examined concerns raised by her mother regarding delays in diagnosis (2012–2021) and adequacy of hospital care. While the delayed diagnosis from an abnormal cervical screening in 2012 was regrettable, the coroner found that cancer was diagnosed promptly upon incarceration and that all subsequent medical care was appropriate and timely. No deficiencies in hospital care were identified, and no recommendations were made.
AI-generated summary and tagging — may contain inaccuracies; refer to original finding for legal purposes.
Drugs involved
Clinical conditions
Contributing factors
- malignant invasion of cervical cancer into colon
- rectosigmoid perforation
- intra-abdominal sepsis from faecal spillage
- post-operative complications including rectal stump perforation and enterocutaneous fistula
- opioid-induced constipation
- reduced oral intake and reduced mobility
- immunosuppression from chemotherapy
- patient resistance to nursing interventions
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