Regional anaesthesia-related complications in Switzerland: Lessons learned from the national closed claims analysis over the past 30 years
Authors' conclusion
The decline in claims may reflect advancements in anaesthetic techniques and safety practices.
Study context
- Population
- Closed malpractice claims involving RA in Switzerland, 1992–2022140 involved RA
- Participants
- 244 participants
- Outcome
- Patient demographics, type of anaesthesia, complications, adherence to best practices and legal outcomes (liability acceptance, compensation amounts)
Methodological detailsSwiss Anaesthesiology Closed Claims Analysis database, 1992 to 2022
- Swiss Anaesthesiology Closed Claims Analysis database
- 1992 to 2022
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
Claims involving RA, first decade
69
49%
Claims involving RA, last decade
30
21%
Nerve damage, most common complication
76%
Liability accepted
43%
Observational data: associations, not effects.
Further findings
Complications by sex
- Male patients tended to have higher rates of nerve injuries; female patients reported more nonspecific pain syndromes and posttraumatic stress disorders
- Highest compensations seemed paid to male patients
Original publication
Regional anaesthesia-related complications in Switzerland: Lessons learned from the national closed claims analysis over the past 30 years. Eur J Anaesthesiol. Published 4 June 2025. doi:10.
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