Tragic death of County Durham teen after scoliosis surgery sparks inquest
A teenager with a genetic mutation tragically died just days after being discharged from hospital following essential surgery, an inquest at Crook Coroners Court was told.
Alfie Bower, aged 15, passed away at his home on Meadowfield Road, Darlington, on December 14, 2022, after undergoing scoliosis surgery.
The court heard that Alfie had been diagnosed with a genetic mutation leading to developmental delay and epilepsy, suffering from seizures since 2008. His treatment included the implantation of a nerve stimulator, reports TeessideLive.
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Assistant coroner James Thompson, summarising the evidence, noted that Alfie was entirely dependent on his parents and carers, used a wheelchair for mobility, and received nutrition through tube feeding.
Thompson explained: "His global development delay began to cause scoliosis. The condition was causing him pain and surgery was necessary to improve his quality of life. He'd been admitted to hospital on several occasions due to chest infections and received regular physiotherapy to combat the risk of respiratory infection."
It was revealed during the inquest that Alfie underwent an operation on November 21, 2022, at the Great North Children's Hospital in Newcastle, where the assessment had identified a risk of chest infections.
Following the surgery, Thompson stated that Alfie was initially cared for in the intensive care unit (ICU) before being transferred to ward 10. However, his condition worsened on November 29 due to chest complications, necessitating his return to the ICU.
The inquest into Alfie's death revealed that despite receiving treatment, he did not recover and was discharged from the hospital for palliative care on December 12. He tragically passed away at home two days later.
Mr Thompson, summarising Alfie's care in the ICU, stated: "Ventilation was undertaken and despite further treatment his respiratory problems persisted. He was dependent on the breathing tube which was not a long-term solution and the focus shifted to palliative care and and he was discharged home."
The cause of death was recorded as 1a. respiratory failure, due to 1b scoliosis requiring surgery due to 1c. NTRK2 mutation.
Mr Thompson added: "The surgery he underwent was elective. It was in my view a necessary operation to allow Alfie some quality of life. All operations are not entirely free of risk, complications can arise and this is what happened in Alfie's case in the form of persistent respiratory infection."
"I find on balance the medical care and treatment he received was correct, necessary and extensive both in the intensive care unit and also on ward 10. I'm reassured that his care and treatment were sufficient and there were no acts or omissions in care that would have caused or contributed to his death and also that the surgery was necessary in the first place."
He concluded by saying that Alfie was constantly monitored by those caring for him and any changes in his condition were promptly escalated and acted upon. His death was ultimately attributed to natural causes.
Mr Thompson requested clarification on drug absorption and the escalation process at the hospital, asking for a response from the trust within 21 days.