Abstract
Purpose
Surgeons will likely be called to assist with or offer advice regarding an unanticipated intraoperative event or finding many times during their careers. Yet, there is no practical framework of how to respond to these consults nor is there any formal training in this area. The review of the limited literature and expert senior opinions can help explain the ethical components involved but does not address some of the practical aspects that the consulting surgeon may need to confront when responding to an unplanned intraoperative consultation.
Methods
We reviewed the existing surgical literature on intraoperative consultation across surgical disciplines and interpreted it in light of our own experiences and the advice of senior surgical colleagues.
Results
We present a framework for the minimum professional expectations of a surgeon responding to an intraoperative consultation.
Conclusion
In this manuscript, we present a selected review of the available literature on the topic, establish some of the guiding ethical principles, and offer an actionable and detailed framework that can support trainees and practicing surgeons dealing with these increasingly common and stressful unplanned circumstances.
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Acknowledgements
The authors would like to acknowledge Drs. Charles J. Yeo, Ernest L. Rosato, Gerald A. Isenberg, Scott D. Goldstein, and Karen A. Chojnacki for their impact in formulating and refining the concepts expressed in this manuscript over many years of collaboration and exemplary clinical practice.
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FP contributed to the concept and design, analysis and interpretation of data, drafting of the manuscript, and critical revision of the manuscript. TT contributed to the analysis and interpretation of data and critical revision of the manuscript. SK contributed to the concept and design, acquisition of data, and drafting of the manuscript.
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Kumar, S., Tatarian, T. & Palazzo, F. A surgeon’s framework for the unplanned intraoperative consultation. Langenbecks Arch Surg 408, 42 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00423-022-02733-z
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00423-022-02733-z