Orthognathic Surgery: An Informed Consent Model

Abstract

In this study, the authors propose an informed consent form for orthognathic surgery. A careful review of the international literature and clinical practice suggested the feasibility of dividing the informed consent form into two parts. In first part, the diagnostic procedures and the therapeutic and surgical times are described. The patient must sign it as soon he or she accepts the orthodontic/surgical therapy proposed. The second part describes the possible problems and difficulties of the procedure, and it must be read by the patient before starting the therapy. In the opinion of the authors, this informed consent form allows the patient to know the risks related to the orthodontic/surgical therapy, thus preserving the surgeons from the civil risk and penalties of omission.

Efficacy of three-dimensional visualization in mobile apps for patient education regarding orthognathic surgery

“…Written consent is mandatory for orthognathic surgery 25 and surgeons are authorized to perform a procedure only with the patient's explicit informed written agreement. 26 Complications, including altered sensation or complete numbness of the lower lip, are commonly reported after lower jaw surgery. 27 Patients who do not fully appreciate the risks of these complications might find it challenging to deal with this.…”

Informed Consent in Orthognathic Surgery

“…With written informed consent, the patient would have a full understanding of the agreement's contents. 4,7 In contrast, other authors stress the importance of personal surgeon-patient communication as superior to written information. 10,11 We think that the use of written information, audiovisual recordings, and other decision aids, as an adjunct to face-toface discussions, may strengthen the patient's ability to make an informed decision, and we also think that surgeons and patients should always remember that the patient-doctor relationship should be based on trust.…”

“…Obtaining informed consent for orthognathic surgical interventions is a process that begins at the first visit when treatment is proposed and continues until the operation. [3][4][5] Information can be shared verbally or in writing, and by the nature of orthognathic surgery, it is often repeated at several points during planning. Written consent is generally obtained at the time of the operation.…”

“…Both surgeons and patients should remember that it has a reference value, which is not to be considered fully reliable, because the recovery and shift of soft tissues are not completely foreseeable and may differ on an individual basis. 5,7 In fact, the cephalometric prediction of orthognathic treatment outcome is an important part of the surgical planning, and it could be included in the informed consent process. However, potential limitations in the prediction of the lips area remain.…”

“…Adequately informing a patient confirms this relationship and fulfills the legal obligation of the physician to inform the patient to the best of his knowledge. [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8] The surgeon is authorized to act only in the presence of an explicit manifestation of the patient's agreement, as no person can be forced to undergo medical/surgical therapy against his will, except when a specific law provides otherwise. 7 Informed consent is the process of providing patients with the realistic and necessary information in a manner which they can understand and recall, to allow them voluntarily to make an informed choice on the treatment.…”