Deceased
Andrew John Martin
Demographics
57y, male
Coroner
Deputy State Coroner Paresa Spanos
Date of death
2022-03-21
Finding date
2023-01-09
Cause of death
Aspiration pneumonia complicating large bowel volvulus in a man with chronic dysphagia and cerebral palsy
AI-generated summary
Andrew John Martin, aged 57 with cerebral palsy and chronic dysphagia, was admitted with large bowel volvulus managed conservatively per advance directives. After clinical improvement, he was transferred to palliative care at Wantirna Health for observation before returning to disability accommodation. His swallowing was further impaired post-illness. He developed aspiration pneumonia on day 20 of admission and died receiving comfort-focused care consistent with his documented wishes. The coroner found no want of clinical management or care by hospital or disability support staff. This case highlights the complex decision-making in managing bowel obstruction in severely disabled patients, the role of advance directives in guiding care, and the importance of close coordination between hospitals, palliative services, and disability support providers when managing high-risk patients with multiple comorbidities.
AI-generated summary and tagging — may contain inaccuracies; refer to original finding for legal purposes. Report an inaccuracy.
Specialties
Clinical conditions
Procedures
59y · Female·Complications of a pseudo-obstruction on a background of previous anterior resec…
Julie Anne White, 59, died from complications of pseudo-obstruction following previous sigmoid volvulus resection. She had intellectual disability, dementia, schizophrenia, depression, and chronic bowel dysmotility. Admi…
72y · Male·Complications of a gastroduodenal perforation (palliated) in the setting of mult…
William Anthony Daniel, a 72-year-old SDA resident with intellectual impairment and multiple comorbidities, presented to Box Hill Hospital on 7 November 2024 with postural hypotension, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain…
82y · Male·Complications of large bowel obstruction in a man with diverticular disease and …
An 82-year-old man died from complications of large bowel obstruction secondary to a sigmoid mass while incarcerated at Port Phillip Prison. He presented with abdominal pain and vomiting following a fall, and imaging con…
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