Medical disputes involving lower gastrointestinal endoscopies: cases from the Korean Medical Dispute Mediation and Arbitration Agency
- Author:
Eun Hye OH
1
;
Jeong Eun SHIN
;
Jun Yong BAE
;
Yoon Suk LEE
;
Yehyun PARK
;
Yong Hwan KWON
;
Chang Nyol PAIK
;
Jun Kyu LEE
;
Tae Hee LEE
Author Information
- Publication Type:2
- From:The Korean Journal of Internal Medicine 2025;40(3):404-426
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Background/Aims:As the number of lower gastrointestinal endoscopies and high-risk examinees increases, the incidence of adverse events associated with these endoscopies has also increased. Medical disputes and lawsuits related to adverse events are rapidly increasing.
Methods:Medical disputes related to lower gastrointestinal endoscopy that had been filed in Korean Medical Dispute Mediation and Arbitration Agency (K-medi) from April 2012 to August 2020 were evaluated with the corresponding medical records and written appraisal. Facilities, patients, procedures, adverse events, and outcome-related variables related to medical disputes were analyzed.
Results:As the number of lower gastrointestinal endoscopies in Korea increases each year, the number of medical disputes related to lower gastrointestinal endoscopy appraised by K-medi has also increased yearly during the same period. Among the 121 cases analyzed, 86 (71.1%) were conciliated and 35 (28.9%) were cosigned by prosecution. Perforations accounted for the largest proportion of cases (93 cases, 76.9%). Most patients (n = 119, 98.3%) underwent non-emergent procedures, and only 10 (8.3%) underwent them for therapeutic purposes. Approximately one-fifth of the patients (n = 25, 20.7%) died.
Conclusions:The number of medical disputes related to lower gastrointestinal endoscopy are increasing. To prevent this, it is important to review the data on existing cases and establish specific response guidelines.
