Role and Complexities of Informed Consent in Vascular Surgery

Role and Complexities of Informed Consent in Vascular Surgery
Editorial
Himanshu Verma
Indian Journal of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, January – March 2025; 12(1)
Open Access
Introduction
   Informed consent is a cornerstone of ethical medical practice, emphasizing the patient’s right to autonomy and the alignment of medical care with their values and preferences. Over the past century, this principle has evolved from a procedural formality to an essential process enabling shared decision-making (SDM). Patients now actively participate in treatment decisions, weighing the risks, benefits, and alternatives of interventions to ensure their choices reflect personal goals and priorities.
While patient comprehension remains a critical element of informed consent, studies reveal significant gaps in understanding.[4] Patients often struggle to recall or fully grasp essential details, including diagnoses, procedural risks, benefits, and alternatives.[5,6] Consequently, informed consent has transitioned from being a mere legal safeguard to an interactive dialog fostering patient engagement and trust.[7,8] This editorial explores the nuances of informed consent, particularly within the context of vascular surgery, where challenges are multifaceted and deeply rooted in both medical complexity and patient perception.