Good neurosurgical practice is based not only on evidence, skills, and modern equipment, but also on good values. This book is the first to discuss specifically the ethical issues that arise during the daily practice of neurosurgery. It is divided into three parts addressing patients' rights, ethical issues relating to the working environment, and wider societal aspects such as dealings of neurosurgeons with the legal system, the media, and companies. The authors are well-established neurosurgeons who present the ethical problems that they have encountered during their careers and explain what they have learned in confronting these problems. In all, more than 50 neurosurgical cases drawn from real life are reported and discussed from an ethical point of view. This book will be especially informative for young neurosurgeons and will provide all who work in this very special field with a road map on how to avoid violations of medical ethics in neurosurgical practice.

Introduction

Ethics in Medicine and Surgery - General View. Patient`s Rights: Patient`s Rights - Overview
Patient´s Rights to Refuse Treatment
Patient Right to Privacy and Confidentiality
Informed Consent
Patient`s Family`s Rights
Children and Neonates
Patients with Terminal Diseases
Complications and Errors. Work Environment: Neurosurgeon`s Rights and Duties
Priority Setting
Neuroethics
Workplace Ethics. Society: Ethics of Performing Surgery/Using Technology for the First Time
Research Ethics
Training in Neurosurgery - the Right of Patients and of Trainees
Conflict of Interest/Industry-Surgeon Relationship
Malpractice and Court Cases
Media and Neurosurgery.