Does not investigating the reasons for medical problems, thereby not providing a treatment or delaying proper treatment, qualify for malpractice.

It is hard to answer your question because I am not clear on what the underlying condition was that caused the need for surgery. Seeing an air pocket in an intestine would not ordinarily necessitate emergency surgery, although it could mean that your friend had an obstruction, which is a condition that can lead to emergency surgery. Beyond the lack of information, if your fried required dialysis as well, and the doctors determined that needed to be dealt with first, they is not necessarily negligence. If you can email me more information, I can try and give you a better answer. Another question may be whether the case is financially viable.  In the meantime, below are some articles you may find helpful.   Click here for an article that discusses the three main questions I ask when deciding whether to investigate a potential medical malpractice case. Click here for an article that explains what you can expect when filing a medical malpractice case. Click here and here for more information about me. Please note that by attempting to answer your question, I am not acting as your attorney. I will do nothing further to protect or preserve your interests in the absence of any additional discussion with you about this matter. John Ratkowitz, Esq. Starr, Gern, Davison & Rubin, P.C. 105 Eisenhower Parkway Roseland, NJ 07068 Office: (973) 830-8441 Cell: (732) 616-6278 Fax: (973) 226-0031 Email: jratkowitz@starrgern.com  Skype: john_ratkowitz Web: www.starrgern.com.