Abstract: Objective To explore the general characteristics of medical negligence in surgery in order to provide the reference for forensic practices. Methods One hundred and twelve cases of medical negligence in surgical department were retrospectively analyzed in Fada Institute of Forensic Medicine and Science from 2008 to 2010. Results The common types of medical negligence cases in the surgery were improper operation procedure （28.57%）, failure of consent （26.79%）, and inadequate monitoring （22.32%）. The results of complications included disability or functional impairment （61.61%）, death （31.25%） and transient impairment with no obvious adverse reactions （7.14%）. The most common roles played by the medical negligence cases were minor role （26.79%）, equal role （19.64%）, and slight role （14.29%）. Conclusion Significant attention should be paid to the operation procedure, consent, and monitoring. It should be cautious to not make assessment on involvement degree of medical negligence.

Key words: forensic medicine, surgery department, hospital, medical faults, cases analysis