Representation of Ethics in the Plastic Surgery Literature: A Systematic Review

Abstract

lastic and reconstructive surgery is unique for its use of aesthetic principles to restore form and function to any region of the human body. This broad scope of expertise challenges the surgeon to balance patient needs against medical decision-making for diverse issues, ranging from cosmetic enhancements to treating burn patients in critical condition. In addition, plastic surgery naturally lends itself to innovation and navigating uncharted surgical territory. As the specialty continues to push boundaries and develops increasingly complex treatments, it is crucial that ethical concerns are appropriately acknowledged. Surgical ethics in the United States is based on the moral theory of principlism, first described

AI and Ethics: A Systematic Review of the Ethical Considerations of Large Language Model Use in Surgery Research

“…This review found that less than 1% of articles contained ethical discourse; of those that did, autonomy (53%) was the most frequently represented principle, and distributive justice (15%) was the least mentioned [29]. In a subsequent 2021 study by Chappell et al, who investigated ethical discourse in plastic surgery research, autonomy (87.9%) was the most commonly discussed principle, and justice (51.2%) was the least mentioned [30]. A similar 2022 study investigating ethical representation, specifically in COVID-19 research, found that nonmaleficence (53%) was the most frequently addressed principle [31].…”

Surgery beyond bodies: Soul surgery and social surgery

“…However, even when one believed that there was a clear connection between the site of incision and the mental effect, the outcomes were often poor or even devastating ( 18 – 20 ). More recently, surgery is used indirectly to influence people's mental health ( 21 ). No parts of the body are untouched by the scalpel to improve people's appearance and self-esteem.…”

Prophylactic Desexualizing Mastectomy for an Intellectually Disabled Woman: Protective Measure or Disregard for Autonomy?

“…Given the recent advances and growing social awareness within plastic surgery, there is a significant increase in new ethical considerations; furthermore, a recent review illustrated that plastic surgeons ought to be more comprehensive when encountering ethical dilemmas. 2 Omar Allam, MD Emily Gudbranson, BA Aaron S. Long, BS Michael Alperovich, MD, MSc Tomer Avraham, MD Summary: Historically, sterilization of the so-called feeble-minded has been advocated in the name of eugenics. Surrogate decision-making that impacts sexuality of the intellectually disabled presents significant ethical dilemmas.…”

“…Given the recent advances and growing social awareness within plastic surgery, there is a significant increase in new ethical considerations; furthermore, a recent review illustrated that plastic surgeons ought to be more comprehensive when encountering ethical dilemmas. 2 There are multiple theoretical surgical options to correct this deformity; however, the focus of this article is to illustrate the challenges in providing nonlife-saving elective care in the absence of patient input and autonomy.…”