Reports: Navy investigating whether surgical error caused Murtha's death

Concerns about the quality of care the late-Rep. John Murtha (D-Pa.) received at a government hospital before his death have prompted Navy officials to open an internal investigation.

According to CNN, which first learned of the inquiry late Wednesday, military sources fear Murtha's intestine may have been damaged during routine gallbladder surgery this January.

The error may have caused the congressman to develop a massive infection, sources told CNN.

Consequently, the National Naval Medical Center's just-announced review will examine whether that presumed mistake led to the congressman's untimely death. Additionally, officials will decide whether to levy any penalties on doctors deemed responsible for the surgical error.

However, military leaders were quick to caution to CNN on Wednesday that all hospitals investigate unexpected deaths, especially when mistakes could be involved.

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