Iowa woman's death after routine hernia repair spurs malpractice lawsuit

Laura Belt, 46, died in May 2024 from complications after a routine hernia repair at Decatur County Hospital, including a bowel perforation that led to sepsis. Her family alleges hospital staff ignored warning signs—such as unusual drainage and lack of bowel movement—and filed a medical malpractice lawsuit against surgeon Dr. Edwin Wehling and two nurses, with the hospital named as a defendant. The Iowa Board of Medicine has charged Wehling with professional incompetency, a hearing set for September, while Belt’s death is tied to a trial against the defendants scheduled for August 23, 2026.