THE heartbroken partner of a Lliswerry man who died after botched liver surgery is still searching for answers about why his treatment failed.

Maria Davies had been with Martyn Rogers for 40 years when his operation for cancer at the University Hospital Wales went terribly wrong. His surgeon Dr Berry severed a major vein and Mr Rogers, aged 66, died of blood poisoning and acute liver failure a week later.

Ms Davies spoke out after restrictions imposed on Dr David Berry by the Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service in 2013 were renewed at the High Court last week.

Dr Berry is no longer allowed to perform the procedure given to Martyn and is also banned from working privately and operating without supervision until February 2016, among other conditions.

Maria, who lives in Newport, said: “Martyn had suffered bowel cancer since 2010 along with liver metastases but we were led to believe that the surgery would remove the tumours and ultimately prolong his life.

“It was heartbreaking to see Martyn deteriorate in front of my eyes following his last surgery with Dr Berry, especially as I could see he was in so much pain and there was nothing I could do to comfort him.

“To learn that Martyn’s death could have been avoided and his one of the surgeries he was given was actually unnecessary is very difficult to comprehend and has left me feeling angry and frustrated. I am still left with many questions as to why his treatment was so poor and have concerns that many others may have been affected.”

Now suffering from ill health herself, Ms Davies said her partner was wrongly booked in for a repeat colonoscopy by a nurse which further delayed his treatment, in addition to the tragic mistake by Dr Berry which caused his death.

"We are pleased his practicing restrictions have been extended until next year, but hope that this continues for a much longer period of time,” she said. “Neither myself or my family feel that we have secured justice for Martyn and we will continue to campaign and search for answers and I hope by highlighting what happened to Martyn that we are able to ensure that no further people will suffer from the same substandard care as he did.”

Following Mr Roger’s death, the Royal College of Surgeons commissioned a report which found the surgery showed evidence of ‘poor judgment’ and ‘technical errors’...’reflecting poor operative skills’. It concluded Martyn’s death was ‘avoidable’.

Cardiff and Vale University Health Board paid an undisclosed settlement to Ms Davies.

Lawyer Emma Rush, from medical negligence lawyers at Irwin Mitchell who represent Ms Davies, said: “Even though the legal case has now come to a conclusion, Maria and her family feel there are still a number of unanswered questions surrounding Martyn’s care.

“The report by the Royal College of Surgeons into his death was deeply concerning and Maria understandably wanted answers as to why Martyn’s death was described as avoidable.

“We hope that the health board can continue to provide reassurances to all patients that every possible step has been taken to protect future patient safety.”

Concerns about David Berry were first raised during an internal investigation at the health board in October 2012. The liver surgeon was linked to the avoidable deaths of eight patients.

The Cardiff and Vale University Health Board previously issued "unreserved apologies" to every family affected.

It also previously confirmed Dr Berry was suspended from the University Hospital of Wales.

A spokesman for Cardiff and Vale University Health Board added yesterday: “Mr Berry is not currently carrying out any clinical duties for the Health Board pending the conclusion of the Health Board’s internal procedures.”