Finding into death of Michael King

59y · Male·Aspiration pneumonia secondary to recurrent anal squamous cell carcinoma with surgery

Michael King, 59, died from aspiration pneumonia secondary to recurrent anal squamous cell carcinoma following total pelvic exenteration surgery in December 2021. He was admitted to Dandenong Hospital with vomiting, lethargy and suspected urinary tract infection, aspiration pneumonia and small bowel obstruction. After initial ICU admission and improvement, he was transferred to Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre for ongoing management. He deteriorated with respiratory distress, pulmonary embolism and ureteric obstruction, and was transitioned to palliative care. The coroner found no want of clinical management or care by any healthcare provider or support worker that caused or contributed to his death. The death was a natural consequence of advanced malignancy and prior surgical intervention.