Finding into death of Julie Anne White

59y · Female·Complications of a pseudo-obstruction on a background of previous anterior resection of sigmoid volvulus

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. Admitted July 2024 with abdominal distension, she underwent flexible sigmoidoscopy, colonoscopy with colostomy formation, and experienced aspiration pneumonia. Despite maximal medical management, she developed recurrent obstruction and transitioned to palliative care. The coroner found her care at both the disability accommodation and hospital was appropriate. This case highlights the challenges of managing chronic bowel dysmotility in patients with multiple comorbidities and the importance of early palliative care discussions in complex cases.