{"id":"6ff65171-1dda-42b3-933a-dcdeedb76faa","slug":"ghost-surgery-including-neurosurgery-and-other-surgical-subspecialties","title":"Ghost Surgery, Including Neurosurgery and Other Surgical Subspecialties","authors":["Nancy E. Epstein"],"abstract":"Background: Ghost Surgery is defined as the practice where a surgeon substitutes another individual, such as a partner or resident, to perform the actual operation without the patient's knowledge. This practice raises significant ethical and legal concerns, particularly in neurosurgery and other surgical subspecialties. Summary: The editorial reviews various medicolegal cases illustrating instances of Ghost Surgery across different surgical fields. Notable cases include those involving neurosurgery, urology, and orthopedic surgery, highlighting issues of informed consent and the responsibilities of the operating surgeon. The American Medical Association and the American College of Surgeons have condemned Ghost Surgery as unethical. Conclusion: Ghost Surgery is prevalent in various surgical specialties, including neurosurgery, and occurs when the surgeon who obtained informed consent does not perform the operation. This practice poses serious ethical and legal challenges, necessitating greater awareness and regulation. Keywords: Ghost Surgery, neurosurgery, informed consent, surgical ethics, medicolegal cases, surgical subspecialties","thumbnailUrl":"https://sni-digital-videos.s3.amazonaws.com/articles/6ff65171-1dda-42b3-933a-dcdeedb76faa/featured/hero-1781563800614.png","publishDate":"2019-08-09T00:00:00.000Z","doi":"10.25259/SNI_421_2019","categories":["Spine","Editorial"],"fullTextUrl":"https://surgicalneurologyint.com/api/articles/6ff65171-1dda-42b3-933a-dcdeedb76faa/pdf"}