Evaluation of Risk for Thoracic Surgery.

Modern surgical practice places increased emphasis on treatment outcomes. There has been a paradigm shift from paternalistic ways of practicing medicine to patients having a major involvement in decision making and treatment planning. The combination of these two factors undoubtedly leaves the surgeon open to greater scrutiny in respect of results and outcomes. In dealing with this it is important that the surgeon, wider multidisciplinary team, and patient appreciate the idea of surgical risk. This article reviews the latest evidence relating to risk assessment in thoracic surgery and suggests how this should be incorporated into clinical practice.