[Skin burns under application of electro-surgical devices: aspects of liability and medicine].
Under established jurisdiction,burn damage to the skin in connection with the use of coagulating current is not regarded as unavoidable. On the contrary, a breach of duty by the surgeon will be assumed.He is responsible for acquainting himself with the techniques and the risks of the high-frequency surgical devices he is using.He has to prevent injuries on the basis of controllable risks, even those which only appear as a result of cooperation with other specialist. The evaluation of judicial decisions, the literature, damage reports and expert opinions confirms that most injuries could have been avoided by compliance with the recommended precautions.
von Harder
Y
Y
Ulsenheimer Friederich Rechtsanwälte, München. Harder@Uls-Frie.de
Scherer
M A
MA
D002056:Burns / Q000209:etiology*; D004564:Electrocoagulation / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000295:instrumentation; D005104:Expert Testimony / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D005858:Germany; D006801:Humans; D007258:Informed Consent / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D007431:Intraoperative Complications / Q000209:etiology*; D008318:Malpractice / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D012307:Risk Factors; D012867:Skin / Q000293:injuries*