A RETIRED accountant who had a bowel cancer operation died three months later after suffering a heart attack, an inquest has heard.

Michael Lee, of Shorefield Mount, Egerton, had a major operation at the Royal Bolton Hospital on October 7, 2019 to remove cancer.

It was hoped that the procedure was possible through keyhole surgery but this had to be changed to open surgery.

The operation went successfully, according to consultant general and colorectal surgeon Gemma Faulkner, and Mr Lee, who was aged 72, was transferred to a high dependency ward to begin his recovery.

Bolton Coroner's Court heard that Mr Lee's condition deteriorated though and two days later he suffered a cardiac arrest.

He was taken to intensive care and was kept in hospital until December 11, 2019, when he was fit enough to be discharged.

GP Dr Jasmin Jiva, of Mandalay Medical Centre in Sharples, reported that Mr Lee went to the practice on January 21, 2020 and said he had swelling to his legs.

He was given water tablets with the doctor taking into account his past heart and kidney problems when prescribing the dosage.

Three days later on January 24, 2020, Mr Lee was admitted to Astley Grange Care Home on Blackburn Road for respite care, to give his partner Heather Berwick a break from looking after him during his recovery from the operation.

In the following five days he was found on the floor by his bed twice, and on the second time on January 29, 2020, he was transferred to hospital.

He was given treatment and he suffered a cardiac arrest.

The following day, on January 30, 2020, his breathing became shallow and he died.

After a post-mortem examination, pathologist Dr Patrick Waugh said he found that Mr Lee had "significant" heart diseases and had suffered heart attacks that he may not have been aware of.

Other damage was also discovered in his body such as to his kidney.

Dr Waugh reported it was clear that the cancer surgery went well but that the effect of the general anaesthetic used in the procedure may have contributed to his death.

However, it would not have been possible for doctors to predict its effect would have been so damaging to Mr Lee, according to Dr Waugh, who said he could have suffered a heart attack at any time.

Senior coroner for Manchester West, Timothy Brennand agreed with Dr Waugh's medical findings and recorded a narrative conclusion.

He said Mr Lee accepted the risks that the major operation presented to him due to his heart condition because they were worth taking to get rid of the bowel cancer.

"He was a fighter and he was choosing life", Mr Brennand said.

The coroner also said that Mr Lee, known affectionately as Mike, was born in Farnworth and worked on the London Stock Exchange as an accountant.

It was in the capital where he met his partner Heather in 1978, with whom he worked with together, and they later moved to Egerton.

Mr Lee retired at the age of 50.

Mr Brennand said he loved Bolton Wanderers and cricket and he was a qualified linesman and referee.

He also went skiing across the world.