[Do Danish surgeons have problems of conscience and responsibility? Results of a preliminary questionnaire survey]

A survey among Danish surgeons was conducted in order to elucidate whether Danish surgeons have problems of conscience related to their operative activity, especially when the results of the latter are unsatisfactory or lead to the death of the patient. Forty-three surgeons returned a questionnaire. All surgeons agreed that the problem that was raised was a significant one. The majority of the surgeons were aware of a patient, whom they had operated on and where the result of surgery was unsatisfactory or even caused the death of the patient. These problems are only to a limited extent discussed at work, whereas they are more frequently dealt with at home.