Decisions at the end of life

Article Abstract:

Doctors who treat critically ill patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) of a hospital must talk to the patient's family and friends to discover what treatment the patient would want if he or she could talk. A study published in 2003 found that ICU doctors were likely to withdraw critically ill patients from a mechanical ventilator if the patient would not benefit and the doctor believed the patient would not have wanted aggressive end-of-life treatments.

Public affairs, Ethics, Physician and patient, Physician-patient relations, Terminal care, Ethical aspects

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Guidance concerning surgery for emphysema

Article Abstract:

More research may be needed before doctors can offer surgery to patients with emphysema. During lung-volume reduction surgery, surgeons actually remove disease lung tissue. But a study published in 2003 found that this surgery does not benefit all patients with emphysema and can actually harm some patients. It is also very expensive and may not be cost-effective.

Care and treatment, Evaluation

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Surgery for emphysema -- not for everyone

Article Abstract:

Lung-volume-reduction surgery will not benefit patients with severe emphysema and may even harm them. This surgery involves removing the damaged lung tissue. In a study comparing this surgery to drug therapy, some patients with severe emphysema had higher death rates than the patients who received medication.

Surgery, Lungs

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