The family of a Wickford woman who died after undergoing cosmetic surgery are considering taking legal action, it has been revealed.

Mum-of-three Lorraine Batt of Dobshill Drive, The Wick, had saved long and hard for the tummy tuck operation to get rid of excess skin and fat following a caesarean section.

The 36-year-old housewife died three days after having the £5,000 operation at the private Highgate Hospital, north London in January last year.

Her builder husband David, who sobbed his way through her inquest, said today: "I have got to talk to our solicitor to see what happens next."

The inquest heard Mrs Batt died from oedema - an abnormal accumulation of fluid - as the result of a dangerously low sodium content in her body.

An underactive thyroid condition was given as the secondary cause.

Mrs Batt's family sobbed as coroner Dr Stephen Chan recorded a verdict of misadventure.

The inquest at St Pancras Coroners Court was told by surgeon Mr Shear that the operation went smoothly but that the next day Mrs Batt began vomiting and complaining of a headache.

Her condition worsened throughout the day and blood tests were ordered.

A few hours later her condition seemed to improve and as a result Mr Shear did not examine the results of the tests, which revealed the low blood sodium content.

Twelve hours after the blood tests were ordered, Mr Shear was called at home by the ward sister because Mrs Batt was crying out in pain.

She collapsed and was given cardiac massage on her way to the Royal Free Hospital where she was put on life support. She died the next day.

Dr Chan said: "I have no doubt of the determination of the deceased when she agreed to go through with major surgery but the point must be made that all surgery could result in complications with devastating effects. There is no safe surgery."

Mrs Batt's parents, Eddie and Joy Fisher believe that their daughter would still be alive if the private clinic had had back-up care.

Mr Fisher said: "She weighed just nine-and-a-half stone and was a smashing girl. We have been through hell for a year, without being told anything at all."

Died after surgery - mum-of-three Lorraine Batt

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