SURVEY OF INFORMED CONSENT FOR ENDOSCOPIC RETROGRADE CHOLANGIOPANCREATOGRAPHY

Prior to performance of gastrointestinal endoscopic procedures, physic ians are generally required to apprise patients of potential risks, be nefits, and alternatives. Components of the informed consent process r equire that: (1) consent be voluntary; (2) the patient be sufficiently mentally capable to engage in rational decision-making; and (3) ''ade quate information'' be conveyed. Controversies reflected in both medic al and legal literature concern the definition of ''adequate informati on.'' To sample current opinion regarding consent for both diagnostic and therapeutic ERCP, members of the Indiana Gut Club and Midwest Gut Club were polled. From this group of academic and private practice phy sicians, 81 completed evaluations were compiled. Greater than 90% of p hysicians believed that pancreatitis and pancreatitis/bleeding/perfora tion must be mentioned for diagnostic and therapeutic ERCP, respective ly. There was variation of opinion as to whether patients must be info rmed of potential need for surgery, prolonged hospital stay, or death. The performing physician was felt to be ultimately responsible for ob taining consent, although other health-care team members, excluding a secretary, could participate.