[Risk/benefit counseling in surgical practice: How? Why?].

A thorough discussion of the risks and benefits of proposed surgery is a legal obligation stemming from the code of the health service. A multidisciplinary discussion assembling all involved services best serves to balance the risks of a procedure against the hoped for benefit. A written précis should document this discussion in the patient's chart, both as a part of the patient record and also to refer to in case of eventual medico-legal dispute. While a personal oral discussion should take place with the patient, it should be fully documented. A copy of this informed consent can be sent to referring colleagues or to the patient. This document, by summarizing the elements of the risk/benefit discussion is a supplementary means to assure that the information was given and understood. The primary physician can refer back to it in ongoing discussions with his patient to be sure that the patient has full understanding and has opportunity to have his questions answered. This may require a supplementary office visit. If the referring physician cannot answer these questions, he may need to refer back to the surgeon.