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Strategies for the return of behavioral surgery
1Centre of Neurosciences, Department of Neurosurgery, Consultant Neurological Surgeon, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, Scotland, U K.
Surgical Neurology International
|July 25, 2012
Summary
Behavioral surgery (BS) is experiencing a resurgence, but must adopt ethical and governance standards to avoid the pitfalls of past psychosurgery (PS). Future BS success depends on strict patient selection, multidisciplinary assessment, and independent verification of consent and training.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Psychiatry
- Medical Ethics
Background:
- Behavioral surgery (BS) is seeing renewed interest due to clinical needs and scientific advancements.
- Past psychosurgery (PS) faced decline due to inadequate studies and ethical concerns.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the history of psychosurgery to inform future behavioral surgery practices.
- To identify strategies for ensuring the safe and effective future of behavioral surgery.
Main Methods:
- A critical review of the historical rise and fall of psychosurgery.
- Analysis of factors contributing to the decline of psychosurgery.
- Examination of current trends and concerns in behavioral surgery.
Main Results:
- Psychosurgery in the 1960s lacked adequate preclinical/clinical studies, patient assessment, consent, and objective reporting.
- Public opposition to psychosurgery arose due to concerns about potential abuse.
- Current behavioral surgery shows promise but faces scrutiny regarding evidence, safety, efficacy, consent, and objectivity.
Conclusions:
- The future of behavioral surgery relies on establishing clear ethical and governance standards.
- Key standards include: failure of adequate prior therapies, psychiatrist-led multidisciplinary assessment, independent verification of patient consent and diagnosis, and verification of surgical team training.
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