The ethics of innovation in pediatric surgery

Ethical issues in pediatric research have long been debated, and experimentation in pediatric surgery is under intense scrutiny. Extensive legislation and institutional systems that attempt to protect children while supporting necessary research are at times ineffective. Pediatric surgery has less funding and resources for innovation than fields with higher clinical volume. Not unlike pediatrics in general, innovation in pediatric surgery must be beyond criticism. And yet, for the sake of patients, innovation should not only be maintained, but must be encouraged.