What was the cause of Lisa Marie Presley’s death? A rare complication from weight-loss surgery

Lisa Marie Presley, the only child of the legendary rock ‘n’ roll singer Elvis Presley, died on January 12, 2023, at the age of 54. Her death shocked and saddened her fans and family, who struggled to understand what had happened to the singer and songwriter. The official cause of her death was revealed by the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s office on July 14, 2023, after a thorough investigation. According to the autopsy report, Presley died of natural causes due to a small bowel obstruction, a rare but serious condition that can result from weight-loss surgery.

What is a small bowel obstruction and how does it happen?

A small bowel obstruction is a blockage in the small intestine, the part of the digestive system that absorbs nutrients from food. The blockage can be caused by various factors, such as scar tissue, hernia, cancer, medication, or inflammation. When the small intestine is blocked, the food and fluids cannot pass through, causing abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, bloating, and constipation. If the blockage is not treated promptly, it can lead to serious complications, such as bowel tissue death, perforation, infection, or sepsis. These complications can cause organ failure, shock, or cardiac arrest, which can be fatal.

According to the autopsy report, Presley’s small bowel obstruction was caused by adhesions, which are bands of scar tissue that form after surgeries. Presley had undergone bariatric surgery, also known as weight-loss surgery, several years ago. This type of surgery involves reducing the size of the stomach or bypassing part of the small intestine to help people lose weight. However, this surgery can also cause adhesions to form in the abdomen, which can stick to the bowel and cause obstruction. This is a known long-term complication of this type of surgery, according to the medical examiner’s report.

How common and preventable is this condition?

Small bowel obstruction is a relatively uncommon condition, affecting about 2% of the general population. However, it is more common among people who have had abdominal surgeries, especially multiple surgeries. According to a study published in the journal Surgery in 2019, about 15% of patients who had bariatric surgery developed small bowel obstruction within 10 years. The risk of developing this condition increases with the number and complexity of the surgeries, as well as the presence of other risk factors, such as obesity, diabetes, smoking, or inflammatory bowel disease.

Small bowel obstruction can be prevented by avoiding or minimizing the risk factors, such as maintaining a healthy weight, quitting smoking, controlling blood sugar, and treating inflammation. Additionally, some surgical techniques can reduce the formation of adhesions, such as using laparoscopic (minimally invasive) methods, applying anti-adhesive agents, or performing adhesiolysis (cutting the adhesions). However, these techniques are not always effective or feasible, and some adhesions may still form despite the preventive measures.

What are the signs and symptoms of this condition and how is it treated?

The signs and symptoms of small bowel obstruction can vary depending on the severity and location of the blockage. Some common symptoms include:

• Abdominal pain, which can be crampy, sharp, or dull
• Nausea and vomiting
• Bloating and distension
• Constipation or diarrhea
• Loss of appetite and weight loss
• Dehydration and electrolyte imbalance
• Fever and chills

These symptoms can be mild or severe, and can come and go or persist. They can also mimic other conditions, such as gastroenteritis, irritable bowel syndrome, or appendicitis. Therefore, it is important to seek medical attention if the symptoms are severe, persistent, or accompanied by other signs of complications, such as blood in the stool, severe dehydration, or signs of shock.

The treatment of small bowel obstruction depends on the cause, severity, and duration of the blockage. In some cases, the blockage can be resolved with conservative measures, such as fasting, intravenous fluids, antibiotics, or nasogastric tube decompression. In other cases, surgery may be required to remove the blockage, repair the bowel, or remove the damaged tissue. The surgery can be done either laparoscopically or through an open incision, depending on the situation. The recovery time and outcome of the treatment can vary depending on the patient’s condition, the type of surgery, and the presence of complications.

What was Lisa Marie Presley’s medical history and how did she die?

Lisa Marie Presley had a history of bariatric surgery, which she underwent several years ago to help her lose weight. She also had a history of depression, anxiety, and substance abuse, for which she was taking medications. According to the autopsy report, she had therapeutic levels of oxycodone, quetiapine, and buprenorphine in her blood at the time of her death, which were not considered to be contributory to her death. However, some of these medications may have slowed down the motility of her intestine and made it more likely for it to get obstructed by the adhesions, according to some experts.

On the morning of her death, Presley was complaining of abdominal pain and called her mother, Priscilla Presley, who advised her to go to the hospital. However, Presley decided to stay at home and rest. Later that day, she was found unresponsive by her housekeeper, who called 911. The paramedics arrived and performed CPR, but they were unable to revive her. She was pronounced dead at the hospital. The autopsy report stated that she died of natural causes due to a small bowel obstruction, which caused a cardiac arrest. She was buried next to her son, Benjamin Keough, who died by suicide in 2020.

What is the legacy of Lisa Marie Presley and how is her family coping with her death?

Lisa Marie Presley was a singer and songwriter, who followed in her father’s footsteps as a musician. She released three albums over the course of her career, which were influenced by various genres, such as rock, blues, country, and gospel. She also collaborated with other artists, such as Michael Jackson, Elvis Costello, and Richard Hawley. She was also known for her four high-profile marriages, to Danny Keough, Michael Jackson, Nicolas Cage, and Michael Lockwood. She had four children, Riley, Benjamin, Harper, and Finley.

Presley was also involved in various charitable and humanitarian causes, such as the Presley Charitable Foundation, which supports homeless families, and the Dream Factory, which grants wishes to terminally ill children. She was also a prominent member of the Church of Scientology, which she joined in 1978.

Presley’s death was mourned by her family, friends, fans, and fellow celebrities, who paid tribute to her on social media and in public statements. Her mother, Priscilla Presley, said that she and the Presley family were “shocked and devastated” by her death, and that she was “the love of my life”. Her daughter, Riley Keough, said that she was “heartbroken” and that she missed her “best friend”. Her ex-husband, Nicolas Cage, said that he was “deeply saddened” and that she was “a remarkable woman”. Her former collaborator, Richard Hawley, said that she was “a beautiful soul” and that he was “honored” to have worked with her.

Presley’s death also sparked a legal dispute over her will, which was challenged by her mother, who claimed that she was unaware of a 2016 amendment that had removed her as a trustee of Presley’s estate. The amendment had named Benjamin and Riley as co-trustees, who were in charge of managing Presley’s assets, including her stake in Elvis Presley Enterprises. The legal dispute was settled in May 2023, but the details were not made public.

Presley’s death also raised awareness about the potential risks and complications of weight-loss surgery, and the importance of seeking medical attention for any signs of small bowel obstruction. According to the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, weight-loss surgery is a safe and effective treatment for obesity and its related diseases, but it also requires lifelong follow-up and care. The society advises patients to consult their doctors before undergoing any surgery, and to report any symptoms of abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, or constipation to their doctors as soon as possible.

Lisa Marie Presley was a talented and compassionate person, who left behind a legacy of music, charity, and love. She also faced many challenges and struggles in her life, which may have contributed to her untimely death. Her death was a tragic loss for her family and the world, but it also served as a reminder of the importance of taking care of one’s health and seeking help when needed. She will always be remembered as the daughter of Elvis, the mother of Riley, and the star of her own.