Case reports. II. Sterilization litigation.

Legal questions will continue to increase with this popular operation because sterilization is the second most common procedure performed by gynecologists. Because of patient's expectation, the sterilization patient is particularly vulnerable to suggestions of malpractice after a complication or failure. Careful preoperative preparation of the patient and family; strict attention to equipment, education and outcome statistics; a conscientious concern when complications do occur will help to reduce sterilization legal claims. A thorough knowledge of the proper management after a complication must be part of the education process. Success following legal defense will be measured by a proper preparation, good records, and an impressive, knowledgeable expert witness.