脊椎手術後癱瘓案：限縮手術範圍之責任論斷【學習式判解評析】 試閱
Paralysis Following Spinal Surgery: The Liability of Reducing Scope of Surgery Expressly Authorized
本件病人接受被告醫師施行脊椎手術，於術中發現突出之椎間盤有嚴重鈣化，考量手術之安全性而決定限縮原定手術範圍僅作部分切除，病人於術後發生下肢癱瘓之併發症，主張醫師未能完全切除椎間盤而有過失，遂起訴請求損害賠償，經三審級法院均判決病方敗訴。本文特就本件手術範圍之改變是否須重新取得病人同意、有否債務不履行、以及過失的判斷與舉證責任等議題進行評析。
The plaintiff suffered from herniated disc of cervical spine and underwent surgical treatment. The surgeon (defendant) unexpectedly noticed severely calcified herniated disc upon operation and decided to remove only partial disc to avoid disastrous injury to spinal cord. However, the lower extremities of plaintiff became totally paralyzed after operation. The plaintiff claimed for compensation of damages caused by medical malpractice. The district, high and supreme courts all found for the defendant. This article comments on this case with special reference to the liability of changing scope of surgery that expressly authorized, and the determination and burden of proof regarding the medical negligence.
056-077
