[Surgery and medical ethics (author's transl)].

The article deals with problems caused by the new biomedical technology and its consequences for the surgical profession. The psychological situation of the surgical in-patient is analysed, especially that of the seriously ill and the dying. Medical ethical principles are defined as what we ought to do in a given situation and what should not be done. Many details of our medical philosophy have now to be reconsidered. Life saving procedures are not designed to maintain life at all costs. All these problems, concerning curricula until now neglected, should be paid more attention.