George Groves, of Telscombe Road, died after having surgery for rectal cancer and an inquest into his death was held at Eastbourne DGH on Thursday (March 11).
Deputy coroner Joanna Pratt was told Mr Groves was suffering from lung disease and had some shortness of breath.
However, medics said he was fit enough to have the operation for the malignant tumour and the procedure went as planned on June 4, 2008.
Mr Groves suffered post-operative complications, was feverish, had kidney problems, fluid balance difficulties and his lung disease had started to affect his heart.
He also had MRSA in one of his lungs and his spleen.
He continued to deteriorate and on July 17, 2008 he was taken into intensive care but died shortly afterwards on July 21.
Dr Christopher Moffat, pathologist, said MRSA was found during the post mortem but he explained it was not responsible for the death.
He gave bronchial pneumonia and kidney failure as the causes of death but said there were a number of other contributory factors.
Joanna Pratt recorded a verdict of death by natural causes.