Communication in surgery: the therapy of hope

Abstract

Surgeons are frequently consulted for assistance in the palliative management of patients, and surgery is an essential tool in the armamentarium of comprehensive palliative care. Palliative surgical consults are some of the most challenging surgical consults, not only for technical reasons, but also because of the (usually) higher odds of morbidity or mortality, often in the setting of a limited life expectancy. Surgery is also often seen as the last possibility of hope, which can place a great emotional burden on the surgeon. Surgeons find themselves torn between concern about causing more harm than good, and not wanting to miss an opportunity to help. Although there is a growing body of literature around the outcomes for palliative surgery and patient selection, most palliative surgery decisions are still not evidence-based, but rather experienced-based. Because palliative surgical decision-making relies heavily on the surgeon’s experience and risk (and/or regret) tolerance, surgeons often find themselves called upon to explain highly complex and nuanced concepts with existential outcomes to people who are desperate for hope. Even for the best communicators, achieving the goals of effective communication can be challenging in these situations, and in some instances, may seem unachievable. This article examines the communication challenges faced by surgeons in the palliative surgical setting and recommends specific strategies and approaches to help address those challenges and facilitate effective communication. Lastly, it considers the most necessary element of care for most patients and surgeons in the palliative setting: hope.