A HOSPITAL patient died following complications after he had surgery.

Colin Merga, aged 68, developed haemorrhaging in the days after surgery to reverse a colostomy. He developed Adult Respiratory Stress Syndrome, which put pressure on his heart and lungs.

Mr Merga, of Cowpur Avenue, Atherton, died on February 5, a Bolton inquest heard.

Coroner Jennifer Leeming was told Mr Merga had part of his bowel removed in October 2000. Four months later he was re-admitted for a colostomy reversal but there were complications.

Royal Bolton Hospital consultant pathologist David Bissett said there was no evidence to suggest there was anything wrong with the surgery. The official cause of death was described as broncho pneumonia. Mrs Leeming recorded a verdict of misadventure.