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Abstract: Malpractice litigation involving the delivery of breast care has been evaluated in the United States of America (USA) but is a relatively new area of study in the United Kingdom (UK). We sought to study and evaluate the emerging trends in litigation claims in relation to breast disease with the National Health Service Litigation Authority (NHSLA) over the last 15 years, up to December 2010. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Claims for poor cosmetic outcome account for a large proportion of breast care malpractice litigation in the UK. Detailed analysis of such claims has not been conducted. We sought to analyse National Health Service Litigation Authority (NHSLA) data pertaining to breast care over the period September 2005–April 2008, focussing on claims for poor cosmetic outcome. Data from a medical indemnity organisation detailing similar claims in the private sector were also analysed. Comparison of the NHSLA data with previously obtained NHSLA data (May 1995–September 2005) demonstrated an upward trend in claims for poor cosmetic outcome. The majority of claimants for poor cosmesis had benign disease and the vast majority of claimants with breast malignancy had undergone breast reconstruction. The majority of claims for poor cosmetic outcome were against plastic surgeons. This was more marked in the private sector data than in the NHSLA data, reflecting their workload. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Malpractice litigation involving patients with carcinoma of the breast has been evaluated in United States of America (USA). The extent of litigation in breast cancer has not been published in UK and malpractice claims in relation to overall breast care have not been published before. We sought to study and evaluate all the litigation claims in relation to breast care with the National Health Service Litigation Authority (NHSLA) from May 1995 to September 2005. We also studied changes in litigation claims and outcomes in incidents reported before and after January 1, 2000. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]