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.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
