Finding into death of Colin John Rafferty

57y · Male·Gastrointestinal haemorrhage due to a duodenal ulcer in the setting of recent nephrectomy for renal carcinoma

Colin Rafferty, a 57-year-old man with acquired brain injury living in supported accommodation, died from gastrointestinal haemorrhage due to a duodenal ulcer eight days after undergoing left nephrectomy for renal carcinoma. Autopsy revealed approximately 900ml of clotted blood in the stomach and bowel from a bleeding duodenal ulcer, with no complications directly attributable to the surgical procedure. The coroner found no causal connection between the surgery and death, determining the timing was coincidental. The case highlights the importance of recognising that post-operative complications can occur after discharge, and clinicians should maintain awareness of gastrointestinal bleeding risk in the post-operative period, particularly in vulnerable populations with communication difficulties.