Acta anaesthesiologica Belgica
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Acta Anaesthesiol Belg · Jan 1993
Case ReportsThe vicarious liability of a surgeon for a negligent anesthesiologist.
In June 1992, the issue of whether a surgeon could be held liable for the negligence of an anesthesiologist was examined by the tribunal of Leuven (1). Liability was asserted not only against the negligent anesthesiologist, but also against the surgeon. The judgement is most interesting and raises many controversial points of law. ⋯ Second, the liability (criminal and civil) of a team member for his own fault if he observes a negligent colleague and does not take the appropriate measures. Third, the liability in Belgian tort law of the surgeon for the negligent anesthesiologist. Fourth, the liability in Belgian contract law of the surgeon for the anesthesiologist.
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Pulmonary edema may develop in healthy patients after anesthesia. Even in adult patients it is important to ascertain the depth of anesthesia before extubation. Too early extubation can result in laryngospasm, followed by increased inspiratory effort and significant rises in pulmonary capillary pressure, which may create fluid movements in the lung resulting in pulmonary edema.