Less Is More: A Narrative Review of Deciding When Surgical Intervention Should Be Withheld

Decision-making in surgery is one of the great unspoken challenges, an important but markedly challenging skill that takes a lifetime to master. The choice not to operate generally proves a significantly harder conclusion than opting for intervention. Our paper explores the influences which affect a clinician’s decision to operate or not. The challenging situation where patient and clinician disagree on proposed management is also explored. Implications on management are discussed, with constructive communication techniques offered, including the recent COVID-19 pandemic.