A WOMAN died in her sleep from an acute stomach condition 10 days after undergoing a successful bypass operation.

Hilda Turner, 67, of Burnley Road East, Waterfoot, died on February 25, in Burnley General Hospital.

Home office pathologist William Lawlor gave the cause of death as acute peritonitis caused by complications after the operation, involving a perforation of the abdominal cavity.

Surgeon Haytham Al-Khaffaf told East Lancashire Coroner David Smith, who recorded a verdict of misadventure, that Mrs Turner, who was suffering from a chronic ulcer in her leg and a complete blockage of the arteries at both sides of the groin, had undergone a bypass operation on February 15.

He said that an examination of the abdomen the day before her death did not show any signs of peritonitis.

He said: "She wasn't complaining of much pain but she did look off colour but we couldn't find out why.

He told the coroner that she had been recovering well during the few days after the operation and he was very surprised at hearing she had died.

He said: "I was very saddened and disappointed because I thought she was progressing quite well.

"I couldn't explain how it had happened."

Two hours before she died, during her last check by the nurse, Mrs Turner had appeared comfortable.