title: An ethical dilemma in anaesthetic practice: when the anaesthetist believes surgery to be futile.
abstract: In a clinical situation when the anaesthetist believes surgery to be futile, he or she must consider and understand the basis for that belief, whether it is a value judgement or an objective opinion, and know that the primary duty of care is to the patient.
authors.affiliation: Anaesthetic Department, Milton Keynes General Hospital, Standing Way, Eaglestone, Milton Keynes, MK6 5LD, UK.
authors.forename: W E
authors.initials: WE
authors.lastname: Scott