A SURGEON who operated on a man who later died will be asked to explain what happened.

The opening of a Burnley inquest heard how Holland-born Edward John Phillip Tomlinson, 64, died of multiple organ failure in Burnley General Hospital, after "elective" surgery.

East Lancs coroner David Smith said he would be asking for a report from the surgeon and asked him to attend and explain what happened. He would also be asking a pathologist to explain why Mr Tomlinson died.

Mr Smith said he understood Mr Tomlinson's operation had been essential but Mr Tomlinson made the decision to have it.

The inquest, which was adjourned, heard Mr Tomlinson, of Hollins Road, Nelson, suffered medical problems including vascular disease and arthritis prior to surgery on September 7.

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