A mystery surrounds the death of a fit and healthy 70-year-old woman who died on the operating table during a routine hip replacement, an inquest has heard.

The mother of five was undergoing hip replacement surgery following a fall while out power-walking with friends on May 9 2016.

Madeline Treacy of Griffith Downes, Drumcondra, Dublin 9 was described as fit, active and healthy. She went to the gym four times a week and was considered an ‘ideal candidate’ for surgery at Beaumont Hospital, with no underlying risk factors.

She had previously undergone surgery performed under local anaesthetic in 2010 and recovered well, Dublin Coroner’s Court heard.

Mrs Treacy was admitted to Beaumont Hospital following the fall on May 9 and surgery was scheduled to take place three days later.

Family members said the woman had been ill the night before surgery.

Anaesthetist Dr Adriana Nizam examined the woman prior to the hip replacement operation.

“She was telling me she wanted to go back power walking with her friends. She did not mention anything from the night before. She was chatting away, her blood pressure was good and she was breathing well,” Dr Nizam said.

Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon Mr Michael Donnelly said Mrs Treacy was ‘fit and well’ prior to surgery.

Spinal anaesthetic was chosen as it provides better pain relief post surgery.

Tallaght Solicitors are Medical Negligence specialists, so if you have been affected by this case, please visit our Medical Negligence page.

Source: Breaking News