Invasive Procedures with Questionable Indications with Special Reference to Pediatrics

Jargin SV

Published on: 2025-03-23

Abstract

The main topic of this review is invasive procedures used in Russian healthcare without sufficient indications. Recommendations are generally avoided here. Analogous conditions in adults have been discussed previously: the overuse of gastrectomy for peptic ulcers, of thoracic surgery for tuberculosis, bronchial asthma and other respiratory diseases, overtreatment of radiation-related lesions, spleno-renal anastomosis in diabetes, excessive and compulsory treatments of alcoholics, and cauterisation of cervical ectopy regardless of the presence of epithelial dysplasia [1]. Considering the breast cancer incidence, millions of women in the former Soviet Union underwent Halsted and lately of Patey mastectomy with removal of pectoral muscles without indications, often sans informed consent.