Ethical aspects of bariatric surgery
Saarni, S.I.; Anttila, H.; Saarni, S.E.; Mustajoki, P.; Koivukangas, V.; Ikonen, T.S.; Malmivaara, A.
Duodecim; Laaketieteellinen Aikakauskirja 125(20): 2280-2286
2009
ISSN/ISBN: 0012-7183 PMID: 19998766 Document Number: 632728
Attitude to obesity determines the attitude to antiobesity surgery: is obesity a disease among other diseases belonging to the public health care, or a characteristic resulting from living habits, remaining under the person's own responsibility? Antiobesity surgery requires supporting the patients' right to self-determination. Other treatments for obesity should be available, and this procedure necessitating permanent adjustments of living habits requires sufficient advance preparation. The patient's guarantee governing the treatment of obesity as a whole seems relevant. Assessment of the need for surgery is, however, difficult and the benefits and disadvantages differ among the various stakeholders.