Mark Feehily sues bariatric surgeon, alleges gastric sleeve complications led to stomach removal

# What happened

Mark Feehily, the Westlife singer, has issued a legal claim against bariatric surgeon Nick Carter after complications he says began following a laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy at Spire Portsmouth Hospital in August 2020. Feehily alleges the operation left behind stomach tissue that became infected, producing a leak, recurring sepsis and months of intensive care. He says that the complications ultimately required removal of his entire stomach in May 2023.

# The dispute in court

Feehily's claim, lodged at the High Court in 2025 and valued at more than £200,000, focuses on whether Carter was negligent during the original procedure and whether that negligence caused the chain of complications. Carter has filed a defence denying liability. He acknowledges that a portion of stomach tissue remained and that a leak developed at the staple line, but he argues leaving that tissue was appropriate in the clinical circumstances and that leakage is a recognised complication of sleeve gastrectomy.

# Timeline of Feehily's reported health problems

• August 2020: Underwent laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy at Spire Portsmouth Hospital.

• Late 2021: Became seriously ill before a scheduled concert with pneumonia and a chest infection, leading to missed performances on Westlife's Wild Dreams Tour.
• 2020–2023: Underwent at least four major surgeries connected to the ongoing abdominal problems and developed a large incisional hernia.
• May 2023: Underwent operation to remove his entire stomach, according to the legal claim.

# Legal process and evidence schedule

The case will use a split-trial approach. The preliminary stage, scheduled between May 28 and July 31, will address whether Carter was negligent and whether his actions caused Feehily's complications. If the court finds in Feehily's favour on causation and liability, a later hearing would determine damages. Witness statements are expected to be filed, followed by expert surgical and radiology reports in November.

# Surgeon's defence points

Carter's legal team states that a staple-line leak occurs in about 1% of cases and does not automatically indicate negligent care. They also say the contractual arrangements for treatment were through Streamline Surgical, the bariatric group treating patients at Spire Portsmouth, rather than a direct personal contract between Carter and Feehily. Because proceedings are ongoing, Carter's lawyers have declined further comment.

# Practical implications to watch

This case will turn on medical records, surgical technique, the reason for any retained stomach tissue, and expert opinions about whether the leak and subsequent infections were avoidable. The split-trial setup means the court will first assess liability before considering monetary compensation. For patients considering bariatric surgery, the case underlines that recognised complications can have severe consequences and that outcomes and risk discussions may later be scrutinised in court.

# Current status