A woman left scarred for life when breast reduction surgery went wrong claimed she was never warned about serious risks involved.

Tracey Rochester, 31, of Cullercoats, North Tyneside, had the operation at Newcastle General Hospital in 1994, Newcastle County Court heard.

She is suing the former RVI Hospitals NHS Trust - now the Newcastle upon Tyne NHS Trust - for damages for breach of duty of care. The trust denies liability.

Dr Alan Piggot, one of two surgeons who carried out the operation, said he had warned of possible problems with the wound healing, but admitted not keeping notes of meetings.

Richard Hone, for Mrs Rochester, asked the surgeon whether he had warned her that she could ''partially or totally lose a nipple''.

The doctor said: "I did not discuss with the patient the possible total loss of the nipple.

''Partial loss was covered by what I had described as the problem with the wound healing."

Mrs Rochester claims she was never properly examined before being discharged, despite being in pain.

Dr Piggot said: "Once the breast was inspected and the dressing reapplied, and the breast was not unduly uncomfortable, she could be sent home."

He said checks were carried out by his team.

The hearing is due to finish today.