Characteristics of Malpractice Litigation Involving Pathological Autopsies Themselves in Japan: A Database Analysis

INTRODUCTION: Following recently increased public awareness, the number of medical malpractice litigation cases in Japan has increased in all fields of health care. A pathological autopsy is important for medical practice but has not yet been subject to much litigation. METHODS: This study presents a review of all civil lawsuits involving pathological autopsies identified in a Japanese database of lawsuits (Westlaw.com). The basic characteristics of cases, the main issues in each case, results, and reasons for the results given by the court were examined. RESULTS: Over 500 cases were examined, among which four autopsy-related negligence lawsuits were retained for analysis. Judgments in these cases were delivered between February 2000 and February 2017. Two judgments were regarding the same case, which was discussed in two different civil procedures (monetary damages and request to return the specimens of patients to relatives). This included three factual cases, which were all civil. Each case was brought by close relatives, and all defendants were hospitals. The main issues were informed consent and the accuracy of autopsy results in two and one cases, respectively. The issues related to informed consent were the need for informed consent to take a specimen and the scope of informed consent. CONCLUSIONS: This study describes the basic characteristics of malpractice lawsuits related to autopsies. Lawsuits related to pathological autopsies seem to be relatively rare in Japan.