British Woman Dies After Weight-Loss Surgery in Turkey as Surgeon Remains Unreachable
A tragic case involving a young British woman who died days after undergoing weight-loss surgery in Turkey has raised fresh concerns about the risks of medical tourism and overseas cosmetic procedures.
Twenty-year-old Morgan Ribeiro from Croydon, South London, travelled to Istanbul in January 2024 to undergo a gastric sleeve operation that reportedly cost around £2,500 — significantly cheaper than similar procedures available in the UK.
Emergency Landing After Sudden Illness
According to details heard during an inquest at South London Coroner’s Court, Morgan underwent surgery on January 5 before being medically cleared to return home just three days later.
However, during the flight back to London Gatwick with her partner Jamie Brewster, her condition rapidly deteriorated. The plane was forced to make an emergency landing in Belgrade, Serbia, where she was rushed to intensive care.
Sadly, Morgan died on January 13.
Medical findings later revealed that the cause of death was linked to severe abdominal infection and inflammation caused by a rupture in the intestinal wall.
Investigators suspect her small intestine may have been accidentally punctured during the procedure.
Questions Remain Unanswered
The inquest has now been delayed after the Turkish surgeon who carried out the operation reportedly failed to respond to repeated requests for information.
Assistant Coroner Laura Stephenson told the court that authorities have been trying to contact surgeon Dr Serkan Bayil since December but have not received cooperation.
The coroner explained that without testimony or medical records from the surgeon, it remains difficult to determine exactly what happened during the operation.
She stated that understanding the circumstances surrounding Morgan’s death is important not only for the family but also for identifying any potential safety concerns that could prevent similar tragedies in the future.
Family Seeks Truth
Morgan’s father, Richard Ribeiro, became emotional during the hearing as he expressed frustration over the long wait for answers.
“I’ve waited two years for this,” he told the court. “I’ll wait as long as it takes. I just want to know whether it was malpractice or not.”
The family has repeatedly called for stricter regulation and better public awareness surrounding overseas medical procedures.
Growing Concerns Over Medical Tourism
The case has once again highlighted the increasing number of Britons travelling abroad for cheaper cosmetic and weight-loss surgeries.
In the UK, gastric sleeve surgery can cost between £8,000 and £10,000, leading many patients to seek lower-cost alternatives overseas.
While many procedures are completed successfully, health experts continue to warn that differences in medical standards, follow-up care, and legal protections can create serious risks for patients.
The inquest into Morgan Ribeiro’s death is expected to continue later this year, with another hearing scheduled for August 28.
Authorities say they will proceed with findings regardless of whether the Turkish surgeon responds.
0 Comments