J.Jpn. Surg. Soc.. 108(1): 3-9, 2007

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Feature topic

THE INFORMED CONSENT FOR SURGICAL PROCEDURE OF ESOPHAGEAL CANCER

Methods for the treatment of solid cancers have diversified with advances in medical care technology, but only a few effective methods are available with regard to therapeutic results, safety, and quality of life after surgery. Thus, it is very difficult for patients and their families to understand the diagnosis and symptoms and select a treatment option. The significance of informed consent, in which a physician provides sufficient information on therapeutic methods and the patient understands the information and selects a treatment, is needed in general society. Sufficient explanation by physicians is an important factor in providing medical care, and recognition of its importance leads to improvement of the medical care environment.
Surgery for esophageal cancer has recently been performed safely due to recent advances in medical care techniques, but it is still very invasive and the incidence of complications is very high. Since chemotherapy and radiotherapy are effective in many cases compared to other cancers of digestive organs, many therapies may be used to treat early to advanced cancers, and the therapeutic methods and choices vary in each stage. Therefore sufficient explanation of symptoms, necessary treatment, and therapeutic methods and their complications and results to patients and their families is necessary. It is important to establish a medical care environment in which patients can fully understand the advantages and disadvantages of treatment options and select the most appropriate one.

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