Probability of Iatrogenesis in Gastroenterology

Excerpt

The term iatrogenesis refers to the inadvertent and preventable induction of disease or complications by the medical treatment or procedures of a physician or surgeon [1]. It is more likely to occur in patients with vague symptoms or ill-defined diagnoses that defy clear pathophysiological mechanisms [2‐4]. Although common to all areas of medicine, gastroenterologists are frequently exposed to iatrogenesis as a result of managing unexplained abdominal pain. Every medical intervention carries the risk of adverse events. As serious adverse events may warrant their own intervention, one single medical problem can sometimes initiate a cascade of many more. …