The international surgical journal with global reach

This is the Scientific Surgery Archive, which contains all randomized clinical trials in surgery that have been identified by searching the top 50 English language medical journal issues since January 1998. Compiled by Jonothan J. Earnshaw, former Editor-in-Chief, BJS

Ethics of palliative surgery in patients with cancer. BJS 2005; 92: 802-809.

Published: 16th June 2005

Authors: B. Hofmann, L. L. Håheim, J. A. Søreide

Background

Surgery is an important palliative method for patients with advanced malignant disease. In addition to concerns related to clinical decision making, various moral challenges are encountered in palliative surgery. Some of these relate to the patients and their illness, others to the surgeons, their attitudes, skills and knowledge base.

Conclusion

Both surgical skill and much moral sensibility are required to improve palliative care in surgical oncology. This should be taken into account not only in clinical practice but also in education and research. Copyright © 2005 British Journal of Surgery Society Ltd. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Full text