Surgical ethics: contemporary challenges

Abstract

This is a critical integrative review with an analytical-descriptive approach that provides a comprehensive
and reflective analysis of contemporary dilemmas in surgical ethics. Owing to its invasive and inherently
uncertain nature, surgical practice requires a balance among techné, episteme, and phronesis.
The article examines historical dimensions and addresses informed consent, unexpected intraoperative
findings, the training of residents and researchers, performance assessment systems, and the
four evils of modern surgery. It also discusses the impact of innovations such as robotics, artificial
intelligence, and transcontinental remote surgery, as well as the use of social media in the surgeon–
patient relationship. It concludes that the sustainability of surgical practice depends on the integration
of rigorous ethical training, professional self-regulation, and legal frameworks adapted to emerging
technologies, while prioritizing patient dignity alongside technical excellence.