A HAMPSHIRE man died after undergoing two major heart operations within weeks of each other.

Charles Long died in Southampton General Hospital after surgery to replace a heart valve.

A Southampton inquest heard how the 75-year-old from Battle Close, Sarisbury Green, initially underwent surgery to replace a valve on February 6 of last year.

But the pensioner – who had a history of diabetes – was still suffering fatigue and shortness of breath two weeks later.

He was admitted for a second operation to replace another one of his valves on February 27, but he died the following day.

Recording a narrative verdict, Southampton Coroner Keith Wiseman said: “With the benefit of hindsight, Mr Long would have had a better chance of survival if both operations had been carried out at the same time, although the risk to him would still have been very significant.”