Philosophy and Practice of the Last Chance in Neurosurgery

The author's book by Dr. K.G. Ayrapetov reflects a philosophical and practical perspective on the актуальный вопрос about the so-called last chance in surgery and neurosurgery, in particular. A comprehensive examination of the phenomenon of the last surgical chance from the viewpoint of philosophy, humanism, and practice is the key theme of the book. The book is distinctive in that it offers, through the prism of the ideology of the last chance, the author's personal comprehensive view on medicine as a whole, and especially on high-risk surgery, particularly cranial neurosurgery, which is considered one of the most intricate and risky surgical specialties by definition. The pages of the book discuss a number of crucial questions that will concern many people in one way or another. The discussion will revolve around neurosurgery itself and its important aspects, the art of healing, values, quality and meaning of life, the motivations of severely ill individuals and practicing surgeons, medical nihilism, surgical risk, the responsibility of the physician, the development of surgery, the commercialization of medicine, and much more that makes one contemplate the future of medicine and the prospects for the moral health of society. This book is likely to be of most interest to practicing doctors of various specialties; it may also be useful for resident physicians and young neurosurgeons who are just beginning their difficult journey in practical healthcare. The author has tried to write the book in an accessible language so that it could engage not only medical professionals but also a broad audience of readers interested in medicine, philosophy, the problems of domestic healthcare, and humanism.