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Litigation for pneumothorax as a complication of fine-needle aspiration of the breast

Bates, Tom, Davidson, T., Mansel, R.E. (2002) Litigation for pneumothorax as a complication of fine-needle aspiration of the breast. British Journal of Surgery, 89 (2). pp. 134-137. ISSN 0007-1323. (doi:10.1046/j.0007-1323.2001.01994.x) (The full text of this publication is not currently available from this repository. You may be able to access a copy if URLs are provided) (KAR id:66835)

The full text of this publication is not currently available from this repository. You may be able to access a copy if URLs are provided.
Official URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1046/j.0007-1323.2001.01994.x

Abstract

Background: Pneumothorax is a rare but recognized complication of diagnostic needle aspiration of the breast. Two recent court cases alleging negligence have reached opposing opinions on very similar findings. Methods: A Medline literature search was carried out. Results: The reported incidence of pneumothorax after diagnostic aspiration of the breast in seven series varied between three in 100 and one in 10 000, but the weight of evidence tended towards the latter rate. Two studies reported that the complication is more common in the hands of trainees. It is not always possible to maintain the aspirating needle parallel or tangential to the chest wall. Pleural puncture may be more common than is apparent, and is most common in the tail of the breast in a thin woman. Conclusion: It is important that breast clinicians are aware of the risk of pneumothorax but, provided proper care has been taken, this complication is not the result of a negligent act.

Item Type: Article
DOI/Identification number: 10.1046/j.0007-1323.2001.01994.x
Additional information: Unmapped bibliographic data: DB - Scopus [Field not mapped to EPrints] M3 - Review [Field not mapped to EPrints]
Divisions: Divisions > Directorate of Education > School of Education
Depositing User: Bates Tom
Date Deposited: 15 Jan 2019 08:56 UTC
Last Modified: 16 Nov 2021 10:25 UTC
Resource URI: https://kar.kent.ac.uk/id/eprint/66835 (The current URI for this page, for reference purposes)

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