Litigation Involving Pediatric Surgical Conditions
Publication Date
2019
Journal Title
J Pediatr Surg
Abstract
© 2019 Elsevier Inc. Purpose: Malpractice litigation among pediatric surgeons is a subject of concern and interest, but minimal factual data are known. Our goal was to investigate national litigation trends regarding pediatric surgical conditions. Methods: We queried WestlawNext database for malpractice cases involving pediatric (age ≤ 18) surgical conditions. Cases were included if they named a care provider or health center. We gathered data on diagnoses, procedures, care providers, allegations, location, and outcomes. Results: Our search revealed 4754 cases, and 170 met inclusion criteria. These ranged from 1965 to 2017 and represented 40 states. 110 cases involved a surgeon (41% pediatric surgeons). Appendicitis was the most common diagnosis identified. Cases frequently involved delayed/missed diagnoses or interventions (45.9%), technical concerns (35.9%), mortalities (26.5%), negligent perioperative care (23.6%), and informed consent concerns (4.7%). Technical complication was the most common allegation against surgeons (49.1%), and nonsurgeon cases typically involved a delayed/missed diagnosis (78.3%). 39% of cases resulted in favor of the defendant, 35% plaintiff, and 14% had a split verdict. Conclusion: Litigation involving pediatric surgical conditions is diverse, but appendicitis and circumcision comprise almost a third of cases. A greater understanding of these trends can help steer efforts in quality and safety as well as guide improved communication with families. Level of evidence: N/A
Volume Number
55
Issue Number
4
Pages
602-608
Document Type
Article
Status
Faculty
Facility
School of Medicine
Primary Department
Surgery
Additional Departments
General Pediatrics
PMCID
DOI
10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2019.08.047