Indian Journal of Neurosurgery 2012; 01(02): 139-143
DOI: 10.4103/2277-9167.102281
Review Article
Thieme Medical and Scientific Publishers Private Ltd.

Legal sanctity of consent for surgical procedures in India

Gauri Sharma
,
Vivek Tandon
1   Department of Neurosurgery, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
,
P. Sarat Chandra
1   Department of Neurosurgery, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
› Author Affiliations

Subject Editor:
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
18 January 2017 (online)

Abstract

As surgeons, we are morally committed to respecting the right of self-determination of patients, thus an informed consent is necessary before any operative intervention. Many neurosurgical patients are incapable of giving consent because of impaired consciousness. Moreover, neurosurgical procedures involve high risks and often are time sensitive; therefore obtaining consent is a challenging job. Patients and their family members need immense courage, understanding, and trust before giving consent for a surgical procedure to a doctor. Lawsuits against doctors are on the rise and it is important to understand “what is consent?” in legal parlance.

 
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