Family Sues Hospital After Woman’s Death Following Hernia Surgery

An Iowa woman, Laura Belt, tragically died after complications from a routine hernia repair, which her family claims were neglected by hospital staff. The incident, reported to have occurred in May 2024, led to a lawsuit against a surgeon and two nurses.

Belt, 46, passed away due to complications from a perforated bowel that resulted in sepsis, as noted by the Iowa Capital Dispatch. Her family alleges that the staff at Decatur County Hospital failed to address her medical issues properly.

The lawsuit names Dr. Edwin Vincent Wehring, along with nurses Brandi Oesch and Tammy Roberts, all of whom are accused of medical malpractice. Decatur County Hospital is also a party in the case.

Additionally, the Iowa Medical Board has charged Wehring with “professional incompetence” and has raised concerns about the harmful nature of his medical practice. A hearing on these charges is scheduled for September.

Following the surgery performed by Wehring, Belt’s family reported that she experienced “constant drainage” from her incision site, with large amounts of brown fluid, which turned out to be feces. Despite expressing her discomfort, staff reassured her that this was normal, according to the complaint.

About a week post-surgery, Belt sent a photo of the brown liquid to Roberts, who reassured her. However, the condition persisted, with ongoing drainage from the site.

On May 11, 2024, after further complications, Belt was transported to Wayne County Hospital. She was then diagnosed with septic shock due to an infection associated with the surgery, evidencing dead tissue and a continual discharge from the wound.

Two days later, Oesch documented in Belt’s medical records that during a video call, she witnessed Belt’s distress as bodily fluids leaked from her wounds.

Belt’s family claims that instructions for antibiotics were not followed through, as a prescription for Bactrim was allegedly never provided.

Tragically, Belt passed away on May 15, and both Wehring and the nurses have denied any wrongdoing. Wehring contended that Belt’s health issues stemmed from pre-existing or unrelated conditions, for which he may not be liable.

A trial is set for August 23.