gms | German Medical Science

Adverse events have always been part of the medical profession. Based on growing awareness in our population, in particular surgeons are more and more confronted with questions about medical law and malpractice in medicine. Medical professionals are urged to aim for a paradigm shift in the way how to deal in particular with surgical mistakes. Moreover, surgeons have to develop strategies to prevent surgical malpractice.

Data about adverse events in head and neck surgery is presented. Beside the mechanisms of adverse events in the operating room, legal aspects, communication of such events with the patient and public also routinely performed morbidity and mortality rounds are discussed.

Modern operating theatre can be somewhat compared with aspects of a cockpit, with surgeons being pilot and co-pilot. While some hospitals have already introduced e.g., checklists in their daily routine to prevent adverse events, still many institutions have no clear regularities for the prevention of surgical mistakes. Standardized professional prevention mechanisms and procedures in case of adverse events will support a maximum of quality and safety in head and neck surgery.