[Surgical errors in archives of the forensic medicine department, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, and in Archives of the District Chamber of Physicians in Szczecin].

The aim of this paper was to study medico-legal opinions passed by experts of the Forensic Medicine Department in Szczecin cases involving suspected surgical malpractice in the years 2001-2005. Among 97 opinions originating from the West Pomeranian and other provinces, malpractice was recognized in 30 cases. In the majority of instances, surgical errors consisted in inobservance of appropriate care in perioperative management. In some cases, such negligence-associated errors were committed in the course of diagnostic management, and in others - while performing the surgery itself. In isolated instances, surgical lack of competence was raised, e.g. when a general surgeon undertook a complex plastic surgery procedure. In the analyzed period of 2001-2005, the District Chamber of Physicians in Szczecin received 471 complaints, all of them originating from the West-Pomeranian region. Of this number, 33 complaints were carried over from the previous term Malpractice was confirmed in 34 instances and these cases were referred to the Board of Professional Medical Conduct. In 15 complains, since proceedings were in progress in various legal agencies, the cases were suspended until resolution in the prosecuting office or in court. Four cases analyzed by the District Board for Professional Medical Conduct involved surgical errors.