A surgeon's framework for the unplanned intraoperative consultation.

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.