Medicolegal aspects in gastroenterology

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Medical practice is under continual public scrutiny. There are increasing concerns on medical malpractice and its consequences - further deterioration of health and death. Public criticism of medical practice very often outrageous, but sometimes medical negligence is obvious. AIM OF THE STUDY: We are presenting basic medicolegal analysis of causation in cases of medical malpractice with subsequent fatal outcome. CASE STUDY: We are reporting on two cases from archives of Institute of Forensic Medicine. The selected cases (biliary ileus and pseudomembranous colitis subsequent to elective cholecistectomy) may reflect common gastroenterological pathology. The analysis of medical practice and its consequences, i.e. analyse of causation has been presented and commented in regard to the pertinent legislation. CONCLUSION: Doctors ought to be familiar with medicolegal aspects of their practice. This might affect them to improve the quality of health care, and to increase protection, both of health care personal and patients.