Lisa Marie Presley, the only daughter of the legendary rock ‘n’ roll singer Elvis Presley, died on January 12, 2023, at the age of 54. She was a singer and songwriter herself, as well as a mother of four children. She was also known for her four high-profile marriages, to Danny Keough, Michael Jackson, Nicolas Cage, and Michael Lockwood.
Her death shocked and saddened her fans and family, who remembered her as a talented and compassionate person. But what was the cause of her death? How did she die so suddenly and unexpectedly?
According to the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s report, Lisa Marie Presley died of natural causes due to complications from a small bowel obstruction. This is a condition where the small intestine is blocked by something, such as scar tissue, a hernia, or cancer. Without surgery, it can cause the bowel tissue to die or perforate, leading to infection, sepsis, and death.
Contents
How Did Weight-Loss Surgery Cause Her Small Bowel Obstruction?
The medical examiner’s report also revealed that Lisa Marie Presley had undergone weight-loss surgery, also known as bariatric surgery, several years ago. This is a type of surgery that reduces the size of the stomach or bypasses part of the small intestine to help people lose weight.
However, this surgery can also have some long-term complications, such as adhesions. Adhesions are bands of scar tissue that form inside the abdomen after surgery. They can stick to different organs and cause them to twist or kink. This can lead to a small bowel obstruction if the adhesions block the passage of food or fluids through the intestine.
According to Dr. Juan M. Carrillo, the deputy medical examiner who performed the autopsy on Lisa Marie Presley, this was what happened in her case. He stated that her small bowel obstruction was caused by adhesions that developed after bariatric surgery. He added that this is a known long-term complication of this type of surgery.
What Were The Symptoms And Signs Of Her Small Bowel Obstruction?
The medical examiner’s report also described the events leading up to Lisa Marie Presley’s death. It stated that she had been complaining of abdominal pain on the morning of January 12. She was taken to a hospital in Calabasas, California, where she went into cardiac arrest. She was pronounced dead at 12:30 p.m.
According to Dr. Folasade P. May, an associate professor of medicine at UCLA and an expert in gastroenterology, Lisa Marie Presley probably developed a cardiac arrest because she had a severe complication from the small bowel obstruction. She explained that when the bowel tissue dies or perforates, it can release bacteria and toxins into the bloodstream, causing septic shock. This can affect the heart and other organs and lead to cardiac arrest.
Dr. May also said that small bowel obstructions usually cause severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, bloating, and constipation. However, these symptoms may not be obvious or specific enough for people to seek medical attention right away. She advised that anyone who has had abdominal surgery in the past should be aware of these signs and consult a doctor if they experience them.
How Common And Preventable Are Small Bowel Obstructions?
Small bowel obstructions are not very common, but they can be life-threatening if not treated promptly. According to Dr. Michael Camilleri, a consultant and professor in gastroenterology at Mayo Clinic, deaths from small bowel obstructions are rare. He estimated that they occur in less than one percent of people who have had bariatric surgery.
Dr. Camilleri also said that there is no sure way to prevent adhesions from forming after surgery. However, he suggested that some factors that may reduce the risk include using minimally invasive techniques (such as laparoscopy), avoiding unnecessary surgeries, and taking anti-inflammatory drugs.
He also recommended that people who have had bariatric surgery should follow up with their doctors regularly and monitor their weight and nutrition. He said that some medications may slow down the movement of the intestine and make it more prone to obstruction. He advised that people should consult their doctors before taking any new drugs or supplements.
How Did Lisa Marie Presley’s Family And Fans React To Her Death?
Lisa Marie Presley’s death was mourned by her family and fans around the world. Her mother, Priscilla Presley, issued a statement saying that they were shocked and devastated by her tragic death. She said that Lisa Marie was a loving daughter, sister, mother, and friend, and that she will be missed forever.
Her daughter, Riley Keough, also posted a tribute to her on Instagram, saying that she was the best mother in the world and that she loved her more than anything She also shared a photo of her with her brother, Benjamin Keough, who died by suicide in 2020.
Lisa Marie Presley was buried next to her son at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Glendale, California. She was also survived by her other children, Finley and Harper Lockwood, and her ex-husbands.
Lisa Marie Presley was a talented and compassionate person who touched many lives with her music and her kindness. Her death was a tragic loss for her family and fans, and a reminder of the potential risks and complications of weight-loss surgery. She will always be remembered as the only child of Elvis Presley, and as a star in her own right.
