Abstract
This study tested the hypothesis that laser surgery is high risk and leads to increased malpractice claims. A multicenter survey reviewed adverse reactions, malpractice suits filed and compensation settled in 94,872 laser surgical cases from 44 hospitals. Patient injuries occurred in 28 patients (0.13%) of which 13 were classified as major with two deaths. Nine patients (0.009%) to date have filed malpractice claims with compensation settlement in three (0.003%). There was a statistically significant reduction in expected patient injuries, suits filed, and compensation settled (p < 0.001). Laser surgery, when practiced in a hospital environment with a full laser center of excellence program that includes on-site physician and nurse education, and technological support is found to be safe with a low risk of malpractice claims.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.