Skull bone flap preserved in anterior abdominal wall medicolegal aspects (a case report)

A case of roadside accident in which neurosurgeon preserved the skull bone flap in abdominal layers during operation but the facts not explained to family considering it to be a routine neurosurgical procedure. Autopsy surgeon was unaware of such practice and casually informed family about operation on abdomen in spite of the absence of any abdominal injuries, which created hue and cry. With great difficulty finally, the family could be satisfied about the approved procedure. The importance of communicating to the family is stressed on although everything was meticulously documented in the hospital file.