The ethics of live surgery: an ongoing debate.

ABSTRACT

The ethics of live surgery was first questioned in India in 2003, by N Ananthakrishnan with responses from Sanjay Nagral and Ramesh Ardhanari. The lay press in India discussed the issue in 2004. Experts in western countries have also debated its possible ill effects as reports emerge of mishaps in workshops. Yet the concept is going live to reality television. Further discussion has arisen, following the first live operation – open heart surgery-before a public audience. It is time to revisit the debate.