Surgery and Anaesthesia

Ethics in Surgical Practice

Ethics in surgical practice is essential for ensuring patient safety, informed consent, and professional integrity. Surgeons must navigate complex ethical dilemmas, such as determining the appropriateness of a procedure based on a patient’s overall health and personal values. Informed consent is crucial, requiring clear communication about risks, benefits, and alternatives to enable patients to make educated decisions. Additionally, surgeons must prioritize patient autonomy while balancing it with beneficence—acting in the best interest of the patient. Issues such as equitable access to surgical care, addressing biases, and managing conflicts of interest also require ethical consideration. Ongoing education and discussions on ethics in surgical practice foster a culture of accountability and respect, ultimately enhancing patient trust and outcomes in healthcare.