Death of Preston ex-police officer following liver biopsy ‘could not have been avoided’
Area coroner Kate Bissett recorded a narrative verdict on Mr Mathew, stating that his death was a result of the necessary biopsy, which was performed to ascertain his failing liver condition
A retired policeman died of a rare complication after a liver biopsy, a Preston inquest was told.
Chacko Mathew, aged 70, was desperately ill and undergoing treatment in Royal Preston Hospital.
To ascertain exactly what was wrong with him, doctors decided to perform a liver biopsy.
But the procedure resulting in him losing blood and he died the same day.
Area coroner Kate Bissett recorded a narrative verdict on Mr Mathew, of Watling Street Road, Preston. Ms Bissett said Mr Mathew died as a result of a “necessary” biopsy.
Mr Mathew’s family said in a statement that their father was a high-ranking police officer in India.
He was an athletic and energetic man. In February 2026 he began feeling unwell and complaining of pain in his abdomen.
He underwent tests and non-Hodgkins lymphoma was found. His liver was failing.
On March 9 his condition had deteriorated and doctors suggested a liver biopsy to ascertain his condition. As a result of the surgery he suffered internal bleeding and died later that day without a confirmed diagnosis.
Consultant gastroenterologist Dr Philip Shields said Mr Mathew’s liver was failing and the exact cause could not be found.
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Lymphoma was a possible cause. He discussed the biopsy and the risks involved with Mr Mathews’ family but he felt there was no choice other than to operate.
“He was very poorly at this stage. He was deteriorating.” said Dr Shields.
He said the bleeding that resulted was “very rare” but always a risk. The biopsy confirmed lymphoma in Mr Mathew’s liver.
He did not feel that Mr Mathew’s death could have been avoided.