Malpractice risks associated with colon cancer and inflammatory bowel disease.

Analyses of lawsuits against gastroenterologists suggest that the disorders of colon cancer and inflammatory bowel disease are among the more common disorders resulting in malpractice claims, with colon cancer suits receiving some of the highest monetary judgments. Unfortunately, that composite data does not specify the exact alleged wrongdoing, but uses global categories such as "errors of diagnosis." This review will focus on potential legal pitfalls regarding those disorders. The focus is on the legal theories, not the exact medical approach recommended, and is intended as general education, and not legal advice for any specific patient.