The treatment of craniosynostosis: an ethical perspective

The parents of children with craniofacial deformity have expectations that cannot always be reasonably met in a world of clinical uncertainty. In order to bridge the "reality gap," the members of the cranofacial team must be open and honest in discussing the known harms and benefits of a proposed treatment, so that a relationship of trust evolves between the health care professional and the patient/parent. It is only through this trust that a truthful implementation of consent, within its moral framework, can be achieved. This, in turn, requires an analysis of the outcomes of the various options for treatment as well as evidence that the cranofacial team is able to provide high standards of care. All this leads to the ethical imperative of respecting the right of parents to make an informed choice and allowing them to see that their child is treated in a way that provides maximum benefit and minimum harm.