The Ethics of Surgery at End of Life

The role of the anesthesiologist cannot be understated when it comes to ethical decision making, especially at end of life. To best serve patients within the limits of the law, anesthesiologists must arm themselves with an understanding of how the laws surrounding ethical decision-making impact daily practices. It is also important to know what rights and duties a patient or surrogate has in the decision-making process. With proper understanding of their responsibilities and the available tools, anesthesiologists can fulfill their roles as leaders and advocates for their patients as approaches to ethical decision-making at the end of life evolve.