The Role of Ethics Consultation in Decision Making for Bariatric Surgery in Pediatrics
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In brief
In brief
This article examines ethical considerations in pediatric metabolic and bariatric surgery, focusing on autonomy, justice, beneficence, and non-maleficence principles. Special attention is given to vulnerable populations including preadolescents and patients with intellectual disabilities, advocating for structured ethics consultation protocols.
Written by the GCMD Library team from the article.
Publication date: Available online 18 January 2020
Source: Seminars in Pediatric Surgery
Author(s): Richard E. Boles, Jaime M. Moore, Jacqueline J. Glover
Abstract
The decision to pursue metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) for pediatric patients has become increasingly accepted by patients and their families and by health care professionals. The advancement of pre- and post-operative MBS guidelines, based on accumulating evidence for safety, efficacy, and cost-effectiveness help to map the clinical pathway for MBS consideration. Ethical issues remain possible for each case, however, and consultation with ethical experts can provide clarity in the consideration of MBS. Specifically, ethical issues related to principles of autonomy, justice, beneficence, and non-maleficence may need to be resolved based on patient characteristics, including preadolescent patients and those who present with intellectual disabilities. Institutions that offer MBS for pediatric patients will benefit from collaborating with ethics consultants to develop a structured approach that helps ensure that ethical principles have been adequately addressed for patients presenting for MBS.