Ethical considerations in the management of complications after lung resection: a narrative review
Year: 2026
Type: review
Abstract: Background and Objective: Complications following lung resection present complex clinical, ethical and interpersonal challenges that extend beyond technical management. Although substantial literature addresses the prevention and treatment of complications after lung resection, there is limited guidance regarding the ethical principles that should shape clinical decision-making as complications evolve. This review proposes a practical ethical framework for the management of complications following lung resection. Methods: Recommendations were developed based on clinical expertise and relevant published sources. A narrative literature search was conducted using PubMed/MEDLINE and Embase, supplemented by targeted searches of relevant clinical resources and reference lists. English-language literature published within the last fifteen years was considered, with more recent evidence prioritized alongside foundational literature. Where lung resection-specific evidence was limited, related thoracic surgery, critical care, perioperative medicine, and surgical ethics literature was incorporated. Key Content and Findings: The developed framework is focused on six foundational ethical principles spanning patient-centered and provider-/systems-centered domains. Patient-centered principles include autonomy, shared decision-making and proportionate goal-concordant care, which help define patient values and integrate those values with clinical expertise to align treatment strategies with meaningful outcomes. Provider-/systems-centered principles include beneficence, nonmaleficence, justice, transparency and accountability, all of which guide professional responsibility, equitable care, honest communication and collaboration throughout recovery. The application of these principles is examined across the preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative phases of care. Conclusions: This framework emphasizes aligning treatment decisions with patient-defined goals, while balancing the potential benefits and burdens of intervention. Overall, these six ethical principles provide a structured and durable framework for navigating complications following lung resection.
Source: Journal of Thoracic Disease
Institution: Temple University
Language: English
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7224132241