Complications and litigation in gynecologic endoscopy

Most medical malpractice lawsuits that involve gynecologic endoscopy and laparoscopy result from either improper prevention, inadequate recognition, or delayed intervention. Continuing recognition of this will prevent many and mitigate most such cases. We can learn much from the events and rapid progress of the past decade. Although most laparoscopic improvements have been technical and instrument driven, a basic understanding of anatomy, physiology, and diagnostics remains essential to high-quality patient care and risk reduction.