General Surgery Resources

Mar 06, 2026
Gastric Point-of-Care Ultrasound: A Modern Approach to Managing Perioperative Aspiration Risk
Anahi Perlas, MD, FRCPC, Professor of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, University of Toronto
Gastric point-of-care ultrasound allows clinicians to visualize the stomach’s antrum in real time in order to preoperatively assess gastric content and pulmonary aspiration risk.
From The Doctor’s Advocate

Sep 05, 2025
An Updated Approach to Perioperative Management of Patients Undergoing Noncardiac Surgery: Cleared for Take-Off?
Jeffrey T. Kuvin, MD, Chair, Department of Cardiology, Northwell Health
The new guideline for evaluating surgical patients for cardiovascular risk promotes a multidisciplinary approach that can help improve patient outcomes.
From The Doctor’s Advocate

Jan 29, 2025, ACS Practice Management
Lessons Learned from a Medical Malpractice Lawsuit: Aortic Surgery in a Patient with Significant Underlying Coronary Disease
David Han, MD, FACS, and Jacqueline Ross, RN, PhD, Coding Director, The Doctors Company, part of TDC Group, discuss the complications and critical decision-making errors in a case of aortic surgery on a patient with severe coronary disease. The article emphasizes the importance of thorough preoperative evaluation and considering all surgical options to manage complications effectively.

Aug 27, 2024
Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Transport of Blood Products in Mass Casualty Incidents
Brent Lee, MD, MPH, FASA, Director of Clinical Excellence and Performance Improvement, North American Partners in Anesthesia
Dr. Brent Lee discusses innovations in treating mass casualty incident injuries, including using unmanned aerial vehicles to transport blood products and lifesaving equipment.
From The Doctor’s Advocate

Feb 21, 2024
Identifying Malpractice Risks for Surgical Practices
Julie Brightwell, JD, RN, Director, Healthcare Systems Patient Safety, The Doctors Company, Part of TDC Group
Understanding that the causes of claims are multifactorial and rarely result from individual judgment or technical skill alone can help surgeons improve outcomes.

Jan 03, 2024
Liability Risks With On-Call Duties
Richard F. Cahill, JD, Vice President and Associate General Counsel, The Doctors Company
Our experts respond to questions about medical staff bylaws and on-call service requirements.

Dec 31, 2023, American College of Surgeons
Lessons Learned from a Medical Malpractice Lawsuit: Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy Complication
In collaboration with the American College of Surgeons, we analyze a closed malpractice case involving laparoscopic cholecystectomy, examining factors behind the adverse event and strategies to prevent future risk.

Dec 11, 2023, American College of Surgeons
Lessons Learned from a Medical Malpractice Lawsuit: Thyroid Surgery Complication
In collaboration with the American College of Surgeons, we analyze a closed malpractice case involving thyroid surgery, examining factors behind the adverse event and strategies to prevent future risk.

Oct 18, 2022
Moderate or Conscious Sedation in the Office Setting
Julie Brightwell, JD, RN, Director, Healthcare System Patient Safety, Department of Patient Safety and Risk Management
Prevent patient injury when providing moderate sedation in the office by incorporating these patient safety and practice improvement strategies.

Oct 04, 2022
Perioperative Claims for General Surgeons
Jacqueline Ross, RN, PhD; Kim Hathaway, RN, MSN; Melissa Nelson, RN, BSN; Kathrine Soulsby, RN, BSN; Angela Jordan, RN, MHSc
About 63 percent of general surgeons have been involved in a medical malpractice suit. Understanding the most common types of complications and the factors that contribute to errors may provide insights for general surgeons about their practice.

Oct 20, 2021
Diagnostic Error in General Surgery
Jacqueline Ross, RN, PhD, Coding Director, Department of Patient Safety and Risk Management
Although claims against general surgeons primarily allege technical surgical-type errors, diagnostic error is the second most frequent allegation against or case type for general surgeons.

Aug 25, 2020
Distracting Devices in Healthcare: Malpractice Implications
Shelley Rizzo, MSN, CPHRM, Senior Patient Safety Risk Manager, The Doctors Company
Digital distraction in healthcare is a threat to patient safety and physician well-being.

Aug 27, 2019
EHR-Related Malpractice Risks and Tips
Darrell Ranum, JD, Vice President of Patient Safety and Risk Management
We analyzed 216 medical malpractice claims that closed from 2010 to 2018 in which EHRs contributed to patient injury.

Mar 20, 2019
Study of Malpractice Claims Involving Children
Darrell Ranum, JD, CPHRM, Vice President, Patient Safety and Risk Management
The Doctors Company analyzed 1,215 claims filed on behalf of pediatric patients that closed from 2008 through 2017.