John P. Murtha, 1932-2010

U.S. Representative John P. Murtha, a Democrat who served Western Pennsylvania for 19 terms, died today from major complications of gallbladder surgery, according to a statement released by the Congressman’s office.

Mr. Murtha was 77.

“Congressman John P. Murtha (PA-12) passed away peacefully this afternoon at 1:18 p.m. at Virginia Hospital Center in Arlington, VA. At his bedside was his family,” said the statement on the Congressman’s website.

Mr. Murtha had his gallbladder removed during a scheduled procedure in January at Bethesda Naval Hospital, according to spokesman Matthew Mazonkey.

The congressman was later admitted to the Virginia Hospital Center after suffering “major complications” from the surgery.

In a statement released on Monday to Big 3 News, Virginia Hospital Center said Mr. Murtha received aggressive critical care.

“On Sunday, January 31, 2010, Representative John P. Murtha (D-Pa.) was admitted to Virginia Hospital Center’s Intensive Care Unit due to major complications from surgery at another medical facility. Despite aggressive critical care interventions, Rep. Murtha died today at 1:18 pm with his family at the bedside,”said Kristen Peifer Dugan, the hospital’s Public Relations Director.

“The entire staff and administration at Virginia Hospital Center, especially the physicians and nurses caring for Rep. Murtha, are deeply saddened by his passing. The Hospital admires the strength and courage of the Murtha family during this difficult time and would like to express our deepest condolences to Rep. Murtha’s family and Congressional office for their loss.”

While laparoscropic surgery, or gallbladder removal, is a commonly practiced medical procedure, some risks are involved.

According to the WebMD website, the most serious possible complications include:

• Infection of an incision.
• Internal bleeding.
• Injury to the common bile duct.
• Injury to the small intestine by one of the instruments used during surgery.
• Risks of general anesthesia.

Watch a video report from the Associate Press:

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