title: Litigation in English rhinology.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Litigation is a rising financial burden on the National Health Service. This study aims to show if litigation is increasing in rhinology and which procedures lead to the most claims.
  
  
  METHODS
  Ten years of data were obtained from the National Health Service Litigation Authority. Rhinology claims were examined for cost, injury, diagnosis and operation type.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Of the 123 rhinology claims identified, 52 per cent were successful. There was a 56 per cent increase in the average annual number of claims between the first half of the study period and the second (p = 0.0451). The commonest reasons for a claim were poor cosmesis (15.6 per cent) and lack of informed consent (14 per cent).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The number of claims in rhinology increased over the study period. Most claims resulted from poor cosmetic outcome, lack of consent or recognised complications. It is suggested that enhanced communication and management of patient expectations could reduce litigation and improve patient satisfaction.
authors: Department of Otorhinolaryngology,Abertawe Bro Morgannwg University Health Board,Swansea,Wales,UK.
authors: A S
authors: AS
authors: Harris
authors: Department of Otorhinolaryngology,Abertawe Bro Morgannwg University Health Board,Swansea,Wales,UK.
authors: S J
authors: SJ
authors: Edwards
authors: Department of Otorhinolaryngology,Abertawe Bro Morgannwg University Health Board,Swansea,Wales,UK.
authors: L
authors: L
authors: Pope
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D007258:Informed Consent / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D007345:Insurance Claim Review / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008318:Malpractice / Q000191:economics / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D019300:Medical Errors; D059747:Nasal Surgical Procedures / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D009313:National Health Programs / Q000191:economics / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D010036:Otolaryngology / Q000191:economics / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D013518:Surgery, Plastic / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D006113:United Kingdom
keywords: Otolaryngology