RT Journal
A1 Harken AH
T1 ENough is enough
JF Archives of Surgery
JO Archives of Surgery
YR 1999
FD October 1
VO 134
IS 10
SP 1061
OP 1063
DO 10.1001/archsurg.134.10.1061
UL http://dx.doi.org/10.1001/archsurg.134.10.1061
AB 
NO ONE ever really wants to undergo a surgical procedure. Conversely, when the right operation is performed for the right reasons, accurately and expeditiously, on the right patient at the right time, the results are formidably gratifying to both patient and surgeon. The problem is the latter. As surgeons, we believe in our profession; we also believe in ourselves, and some of us believe in miracles, while others rely on them. We combat aging and disease with inspirationally effective tools. Ultimately, aging and disease will win. We must, therefore, consciously and honestly balance the physiological, psychological, social, and financial insults of surgery against the anticipated benefits. In this balancing act, we are not unique among our medical colleagues—just the most conspicuous.