The Difference Between Malpractice and Adverse Event: Report of a Case and Review of the Literature

Background/Aim: The practice of surgery may lead to unexpected results and most such results come due to risk in the practice of medicine. Our aim is to identify the difference between malpractice and adverse event. Case Presentation: A young male patient who experienced a cascade of adverse events after a laparoscopic cholecystectomy and even though he had the ultimate treatment an unknown and extensive atherosclerotic coronary arteries disease had led to a fatal left ventricular corruption due to an extensive myocardial infarction. Results: The relatives of the patient filed a lawsuit against the surgeon due to the perception that death was caused by malpractice. Conclusion: Evidence-based medicine should not become defensive, since not every unpleasant event is due to malpractice or negligence.