What Have We Learned From Malpractice Claims Involving Surgical Management of Benign Biliary Disease

Using the CRICO Strategies’ Comparative Benchmarking System database, that represents approximately 30% of all paid and unpaid malpractice claims in the United States, the study reviewed 4081 closed claims filed against general surgeons from 1995 to 2015 to isolate 745 cholecystectomy-related claims. A multi variable model was used to determine factors associated with claim outcome.

The researchers concluded, “Cholecystectomy-related claims are costly and time-consuming. Strategies that reduce the risk and aid in recognition of cholecystectomy complications, as well as advance support of patients and families after poor outcomes, may improve clinical care and reduce claim burden.”

Citation for the Full-text Article

Gartland RM, Bloom JP, Fong ZV, DeRoo C, Dwyer K, Quinn G, Lillemoe K, Mort E. What have we learned from malpractice claims involving the surgical management of benign biliary disease?: A 128 million dollar question. Annals of Surgery. 2019 May;269(5):785-791. doi: 10.1097/SLA.0000000000003155.