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A Code of Ethics for the fistula surgeon
Author(s) -
Wall L. Lewis,
Wilkinson Jeffrey,
Arrowsmith Steven D.,
Ojengbede Oladosu,
Mabeya Hillary
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
international journal of gynecology and obstetrics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.895
H-Index - 97
eISSN - 1879-3479
pISSN - 0020-7292
DOI - 10.1016/j.ijgo.2007.10.005
Subject(s) - medicine , beneficence , vesicovaginal fistula , autonomy , developed country , fistula , developing country , ethos , economic justice , compassion , general surgery , surgery , economic growth , law , population , environmental health , political science , economics
Vesicovaginal fistulas from obstructed labor no longer exist in wealthy industrialized countries. In the impoverished countries of sub‐Saharan Africa and south Asia obstetric fistulas continue to be a prevalent clinical problem. As many as 3.5 million women may suffer from this condition and few centers exist that can provide them with competent and compassionate surgical repair of their injuries. As this situation has become more widely known in the industrialized world, increasing numbers of surgeons have begun traveling to poor countries to perform fistula operations. To date, these efforts have been carried out largely by well‐intentioned individuals, acting alone. An international community of fistula surgeons who share common goals and values is still in the process of being created. To help facilitate the development of a common ethos and to improve the quality of care afforded to women suffering from obstetric fistulas, we propose a Code of Ethics for fistula surgeons that embraces the fundamental principles of beneficence, non‐maleficence, respect for personal autonomy, and a dedication to the pursuit of justice.