The medicolegal risks of thermal injury during laparoscopic monopolar electrosurgery.

Medicolegal liability claims arising from minimally invasive surgeries are rapidly increasing. While the medical community appears aware of certain types of liability risks in this area, it often underappreciates the risks associated with monopolar laparoscopic electrosurgery. Jury verdicts and settlements help define this problem, which can lead to improved healthcare delivery and better outcomes for patients.