Remembering John Murtha

Possible reason (0.00 / 0)

What was reported on February 3rd:

The congressman's spokesman declined to say Tuesday what led him to be hospitalized again. But responding to questions Wednesday, he said that Murtha was in stable condition. Two persons said it appeared Murtha's intestine had been cut inadvertently during the gall bladder removal.

Read more: http://www.politico.com/news/s...

Also:
February 4th

Mr. Murtha had laparoscopic surgery to remove his gallbladder last Thursday at the National Naval Hospital in Bethesda, Md. A source close to Mr. Murtha said that his intestine was inadvertently cut during the surgery, confirming a report from Politico.

Read more: http://post-gazette.com/pg/100...

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by: Leah @ Mon Feb 08, 2010 at 15:04:40 PM CST

If that's true.... (0.00 / 0)

I know what was reported, but the people talking are NOT medical professionals.

If they cut his intestine, it would have bled.  Not to mention the fact that it would have shown to the surgical team on the scope at the time. Bethesda is world class, and a surgeon might inadvertently cause a bleeder, but the team would neither miss it, nor NOT repair it.

If it was a very small nick that was cauterized, but it then "stretched" when the CO2 was removed, it could cause a bleed after that. If so, it would have also caused a massive infection due to the material in the intestines entering the abdominal cavity. There would have been swelling, fever, and a lot of pain. Possibly also vomiting. All within 24 hours.  

I have trouble believing that Bethesda would have missed that and then would have released him OR that if they did, it would have taken a week for him to end up back in the hospital.

If it happened as Politico reported, it's MASSIVE malpractice. It means SOCs weren't followed, there was no checklist, and the problem was missed by something like 20 professionals.

MRSA is much more likely given the level of care at Bethesda and the timeline.

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by: DocJess @ Mon Feb 08, 2010 at 15:29:27 PM CST

[ Parent ]

New from CNN (0.00 / 0)

Source explains Murtha's cause of death
Posted: February 8th, 2010 07:05 PM ET

Washington (CNN) - Pennsylvania Rep. John Murtha died Monday as a result of recent gallbladder surgery complications which arose from doctors accidentally nicking Murtha's intestines, a source close to the late congressman has told CNN. The procedure was "routine minimally invasive surgery," but doctors "hit his intestines," the source said.

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by: Leah @ Mon Feb 08, 2010 at 20:59:47 PM CST

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Rep. Brady says... (0.00 / 0)

Congressman: Murtha's intestine damaged in surgery

WASHINGTON - A Pennsylvania congressman and longtime friend of the late Rep. John Murtha says the congressman's large intestine was damaged during gallbladder surgery and the complications led him to be hospitalized.

Murtha died Monday at Virginia Hospital Center in Arlington, Va., where he was admitted on Jan. 31.

The gallbladder surgery was performed days earlier at the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Md.

Rep. Bob Brady says an infection developed and that Murtha had a fever when he was admitted to the Virginia hospital.

Messages left with the Bethesda hospital were not immediately returned.

Brady calls Murtha his "buddy" and says he'll remember him forever.

--  so, that seems to what has happened  ;(

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by: Leah @ Mon Feb 08, 2010 at 22:29:55 PM CST

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Leah, you keep missing the point (0.00 / 0)

There is no doubt that Murtha died of an infection which was a secondary complication of gall bladder surgery. The issue is what caused the infection, how was it missed, and whether malpractice was involved.

The only sources you cite are laypeople: it's doctors who will finally determine what happened on autopsy.  

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by: DocJess @ Tue Feb 09, 2010 at 04:41:19 AM CST

[ Parent ]

Next... (0.00 / 0)

From HuffPo

Now voters in Pennsylvania will most likely go to the polls to elect a replacement for the late congressman on May 18, according to the Washington Post's Chris Cillizza:

   According to state law, the governor has ten days once the vacancy is officially declared to decide on the date for the special election, which can come no sooner than 60 days following that proclamation.

   That likely means the special election will be held on May 18, which is the date already set for federal primaries around the state.

More here:  http://www.huffingtonpost.com/...

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by: Leah @ Mon Feb 08, 2010 at 16:21:59 PM CST

Pres Obama's Statement (0.00 / 0)

From TPM:

President Obama issued a statement in honor of Rep. John Murtha (D-PA), who passed away today at the age of 77. The White House also lowered its flag this afternoon.

Michelle and I were deeply saddened today to hear about the passing of Congressman John Murtha. Jack was a devoted husband, a loving father and a steadfast advocate for the people of Pennsylvania for nearly 40 years. His passion for service was born during his decorated career in the United States Marine Corps, and he went on to earn the distinction of being the first Vietnam War combat veteran elected to Congress. Jack's tough-as-nails reputation carried over to Congress, where he became a respected voice on issues of national security. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife of nearly 55 years, Joyce, their three children, and the entire Murtha family.

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by: Leah @ Mon Feb 08, 2010 at 18:46:41 PM CST

Pelosi's Statement (0.00 / 0)

From Politico.com:

Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who was very close to Rep. John Murtha, has released a statement on his death:

"Today, with the passing of Jack Murtha, America lost a great patriot. He served our country on the battlefield winning two Purple Hearts and the Bronze Star. He served his country in his community winning the hearts of his constituents and served in the Congress winning the respect of his colleagues.

"On Saturday, he became the longest-serving Member of Congress from Pennsylvania, and one of the most distinguished. He is well-recognized as a champion of our national security; always putting the troops and their families first. He quietly and regularly visited our men and women serving our country who were injured to assess their needs and offer them thanks and encouragement. As proud Marine, he was always Semper Fi!

"The nation saw his courage writ large when he spoke out against the military engagement in Iraq - winning him the John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award. ... Dedicated to God and Country, and devoted to Joyce and their family, Jack Murtha was a giant. All who served with him were honored to call him colleague. I was privileged to call him friend.

"I hope that is a comfort to Joyce; their children, Donna Sue, John and Patrick; and their grandchildren that so many people mourn their loss and are praying for them at this very sad time."

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by: Leah @ Mon Feb 08, 2010 at 20:41:09 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Another Good One Gone (0.00 / 0)

RIP

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by: BoredJunkie @ Tue Feb 09, 2010 at 07:56:16 AM CST

Update (0.00 / 0)

Navy opens review of care Murtha received in surgery
http://www.cnn.com/2010/POLITI...
.

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by: Leah @ Wed Feb 17, 2010 at 18:37:21 PM CST