Medical Malpractice Allegations in Nasal Turbinate Surgery

Despite studies showing most patients significantly improve their nasal congestion with surgical management of nasal turbinates, not all achieve acceptable results. Rarely, patients report substantial worsening of symptoms leading to litigation risk.

Document the United States medicolegal environment for nasal turbinate surgery.

We searched the Westlaw database for turbinate related terms for 1987- July 2019, recording demographics, claims, legal arguments, and outcomes in legal cases related to nasal turbinate surgery. We assessed prevalence and correlations with case outcomes.

Of the 39 cases identified, the most common complaint was nose/facial pain (53.8% of cases). Surgeons prevailed in 87.2% of cases, with total liabilities of $3,224,606 [mean $97,715.3, ±$283,900.8]. Surgeons had statistically significant favorable outcomes when patients claimed dryness, headache, congestion, crusting, breathing problems, and disfigurement (all p < 0.05). Revision surgery was indicated in 23.1% of cases and was claimed in 40.0% of patient awards. Surgical negligence was claimed in 40.0% of patient awards versus 67.9% of surgeon awards (p = 0.333). Lack of informed consent was claimed in 20.0% of patient awards versus 32.1% of surgeon awards (p = 0.601).

There are inherent litigation risks for surgeons when performing nasal turbinate surgery. Most claims against surgeons, are resolved in favor of the surgeon. Understanding the types of claims and legal arguments that are made by patients could help assessing the risks of a proposed litigation. Documenting clear indications for surgery and written informed consent may reduce litigations against surgeons.