A PENSIONER with a catalogue of ill health died after suffering a heart attack during surgery to correct a bowel problem, an inquest heard.

The hearing was told Renee Taylor, of Deerstone Avenue, Brunshaw, Burnley, died days after she underwent a second operation to correct the serious complaint.

Mrs Taylor, 78, was admitted to Burnley General Hospital on September 15 with her bowel problem.

She unsuccessfully underwent surgery on October 20 to remove part of her bowel, the court was told.

Surgeon Dr David Sandilands told the inquest Mrs Taylor's spleen had to be removed during the first operation.

He added during a second operation two days later Mrs Taylor's blood pressure dropped and it is believed she had a heart attack.

Following the operation Mrs Taylor was taken to the intensive care unit but died on October 24 from multi organ failure, the inquest was told.

Although it was not classed as life saving surgery the operation would have significantly improved Mrs Taylor's quality of life, Dr Sandilands said.

He added if Mrs Taylor's condition had not been treated it could have got worse and killed her.

The inquest at Burnley Magistrates Court was told Mrs Taylor had suffered diabetes and angina. The court also heard she had suffered two heart attacks and had been diagnosed with cancer several years ago as well as having a hysterectomy.

Pathologist Dr William Lawler carried out a post mortem examination.

He told the hearing he found evidence of Mrs Taylor suffering a heart attack previously as well as more recently.

Dr Lawler said Mrs Taylor's organ failure was caused by a heart attack.

East Lancashire coroner Richard Taylor recorded a verdict of death by misadventure because the surgery was elective.