Ethical Issues in Surgery

Abstract

To be a good surgeon, one must be technically good and scientifically sound, but also ethical to the degree that has traditionally been demanded by our profession. In this chapter, the authors discuss what ethical problems in surgery are and how they might be approached. Respect for autonomy, nonmaleficence, beneficence, and justice define Principlism that forms the backbone of most discourse in clinical medical ethics. Consequentialism/utilitarianism, deontology, virtue ethics, “ethics of care”, and casuistry are all covered. The authors then scrutinize several contemporary problems in surgical ethics. Described and discussed in depth are issues associated with the ‘end of life’; surrogate decision making, futility, “do not resuscitate” orders in the operating room, conflicts of interest, industry payments, and surgical innovation, informed consent, and refusal of care. This review is not meant to be an exhaustive treatment of surgical ethics but a survey highlighting the most common ethical problems. This review contains 2 figures, 3 tables, and 61 references.