Evaluation of medical malpractice in emergency and elective general surgery cases resulting in death

BACKGROUND: Medical malpractice occurs in cases, where a patient experiences damage as a result of the doctor's deviation from the standard practice or care. As in all medical specialties, thoracic surgeons may face medical malpractice claims.METHODS: Among the files reviewed by the First Board of Specialization of the Council of Forensic Medicine between January 01, 2010, and December 21, 2015, cases with malpractice allegations against thoracic surgeons were analyzed retrospectively. RESULTS:Fifty-nine of the cases were male (72.8%), and 22 were female (27.2%). The mean age was 51.13±18.97 years, and the most common age range was >60 years (n=35, 43.2%). Medical malpractice was confirmed in 11 (13.6%) of the cases. A diagnostic error was the most common cause of error (n=7, 63.6%), and the most common cause of a diagnostic error was failure to diagnose a condition on time (n=4, 36.4%). The most frequent diagnosis was "injuries due to trauma" (n=54, 66.7%), followed by lung cancer (n=9, 11.1%). It was found that 80.2% (n=65) of the doctors intervened with the patient as a consultant. Complications developed in 48 (59.3%) of the cases. The most common complication was pneumonia (n=7, 14.6%). CONCLUSION:This was the first study in Turkey that included cases of medical malpractice claims that involved thoracic surgeons. We think that examining cases with medical malpractice claims will help physicians not only better understand the characteristics of malpractice claims but also develop strategies to prevent malpractice claims.

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Evaluation of Medical Malpractice in Urology Cases Resulting in Death

Hösükler

ÜZÜN

YAZGI

et al. 2022

Journal of Contemporary Medicine

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Aim: This study aimed to present 96 cases evaluated by the 1st Specialization Committee of The Council of Forensic Medicine, which included medical malpractice claims about urologists resulting in death between 2010 and 2015 and to increase the awareness of urologists about medical malpractice claims. Materials and methods: The reports prepared by the 1st Specialization Committee of The Council of Forensic Medicine between 2010–2015 were reviewed retrospectively. All of the cases treated in Urology clinics, alleged medical malpractice, and resulted in death, participated in the study. Results: In this study, 96 cases were included. It was reported that there was medical malpractice in 16 (16.7%) cases. Seventy–six of the patients (79.2%) were female; the most common age range was ≥ 60 years (n:46 47.9%); the mean age was 54,90±19,59 years. Seventy–three (76%) cases were followed up under elective conditions. Complications developed in 20 (20.8%) of the cases during their treatment course. Surgical treatment was applied in 68 (70.8%) patients. Twenty (20.8%) cases were diagnosed with urinary system stone disease and 16 (16.7%) cases with benign prostatic hyperplasia. The committee attributed malpractice to the doctors most frequently due to lack of treatment (n:6, 37.5%). Conclusion: We think that a comprehensive review of the cases with medical malpractice claims will contribute to a better understanding of these cases, the improvement of the medical service provided, and public health.

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Evaluation of medical malpractice in emergency and elective general surgery cases resulting in death

Cited by 4 publications

References 7 publications

Malpractise and Ethical Violations in Thyroid Surgery

Malpractise and Ethical Violations in Thyroid Surgery

Evaluation of medical malpractice claims in thoracic surgery

Evaluation of Medical Malpractice in Urology Cases Resulting in Death

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