Complications, Errors, and Surgical Ethics

In their article titled The Ethics of Surgical Complications, Adedeji and colleagues explore the ethical dimensions of surgical complications [ 1 ]. Although there are numerous ways that one could explore the ethical aspects of such complications, these authors have used the four widely known ethical principles of respect for autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, and justice as the prism through which to consider surgical complications. Through this line of analysis, we see how general principles can be applied in specific situations to help guide surgeons’ behaviors. The authors have done an excellent job of showing the relevance of the ethical principles for guiding action. They have also shown how focusing on a specific aspect of surgical ethics, such as complications, can help define the surgeon’s proper role.