Surgical workshop is the order of the day and has become very popular among surgeons. Are there any ethical guidelines to govern them? How often does a new surgical procedure go through proper checks and balances before being adopted widely in medical practice? This has led to see one, do one and teach one principle and has resulted in an undisciplined introduction of laparoscopy and many other similar surgical procedures in Urology and General surgery and has earned dubious distinction of the biggest unaudited free for all in the history of surgery. The terminology of surgical learning curve has gained popularity due to the mishaps, which have occurred during the learning of laparoscopy. I am sure that the aviation industry that trains pilots would be in for a rude shock if they knew how we are trained before we adopt these new procedures.
This symposium on Medical Ethics and Legal Issues may not necessarily discuss the above issues but if we want to salvage the reputation and integrity of our profession, we certainly need to think and draw our own “Lakshman Rekha.” Ethics should be taught in medical schools by senior medical/paramedical faculty who are either practicing (or have practiced) medicine and have the experience of making difficult medical decisions and have learnt from their mistakes.
