La discussion bénéfices/risques en pratique chirurgicale : pourquoi ? comment ?

A written précis should document this discussion in the patient's chart, both as a part of the patient record and also to refer to in case of eventual medico-legal dispute. While a personal oral discussion should take place with the patient, it should be fully documented. A copy of this informed consent can be sent to referring colleagues or to the patient. This document, by summarizing the elements of the risk/benefit discussion is a supplementary means to assure that the information was given and understood. The primary physician can refer back to it in ongoing discussions with his patient to be sure that the patient has full understanding and has opportunity to have his questions answered. This may require a supplementary office visit. If the referring physician cannot answer these questions, he may need to refer back to the surgeon.