| The following article features coverage from the American Urological Association (AUA) 2019 meeting. Click here to read more of Renal & Urology News’ conference coverage. |
CHICAGO—Most kidney stone-related malpractice suits end in a verdict in favor of the physician or a hospital, even after appeal, investigators reported at the 2019 American Urological Association annual meeting.
Brandon S. Childs, MD, of the Lahey Hospital & Medical Center in Burlington, Massachusetts, and colleagues analyzed 33 appealed malpractice cases involving kidney stones. Patients or their spouses were the plaintiff in 23 cases (70%) and patients’ estates were the plaintiffs in 10 (30%). Urologists and non-urologist providers were defendants in 19 cases (67%) and 10 cases (30%), respectively. Associated hospitals were named in 21 cases (64%), according to the investigators.
Of the 33 suits, 28 (85%) cited an error of treatment as the primary negligence.
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Overall, defendants prevailed in 21 suits (63%). Four trials involved payments to a plaintiff, with the average payout of more than $1 million per case (range $193,000 to $3 million). Ten cases (30%) were reversed on appeal. The defendant prevailed initially and on appeal in the majority of cases.
Dr Childs and his colleagues identified nephrolithiasis malpractice cases via a Lexis Nexis search.
| The following article features coverage from the American Urological Association (AUA) 2019 meeting. Click here to read more of Renal & Urology News’ conference coverage. |
Reference
Childs BS, Smith K, Kelley KM, Steinberg PL. Medical malpractice and nephrolithiasis: U.S. appellate cases from 2001-18. Presented at the 2019 American Urological Association annual meeting held May 3-6 in Chicago. Abstract MP08-10.
