الفهرس 
Medical EthicsOnly 14 pages are availabe for public view
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Abstract
Many operations performed by otolaryngology surgeons fall under the destination of elective surgery. Success in this type of surgery is primarily measured by the patient’s satisfaction. If a surgical treatment does not satisfy the patient or if a complication does occur, elective surgery patients may be more likely to undertake medico-legal action than mandatory surgery patients. Indeed, otolaryngologic, facial plastic and reconstructive surgery does carry a high risk for litigation.
For decades, patients were content with a paternalistic beneficence of physicians. However, this has changed considerably in the last 30 years. Nowadays, optimal doctor-patient relationship is an alliance with equals, characterized by honesty, trust and mutual respect. Rapport between the surgeon and patient is essential. This is stressed by the fact that lack of rapport has been documented as the major cause of medical malpractice claims.
Elective surgery should be a shared decision of surgeon and patient based on mutual frank information exchange. Informing the patient before treatment is of crucial importance. Nowadays, it is the patient’s right to be informed about his or her condition and possibilities of treatment, including risks and benefits. The primary patient’s right together with the physician’s obligation to disclose is the basis for informed consent. Furthermore, it is of importance to realize that the patient’s ability to accept the surgical result may even be highly correlated with the degree to which the patient has been prepared. Moreover, a patient who is well informed before treatment will be more inclined to accept the problems arising during or after treatment, thereby reducing the chances of seeking legal redress.