Indecency/Decency in Cardiac Surgery: A Memoir of My Education at a Super-Esteemed Medical Place

Objectives: This article aims to define and analyze indecency in heart surgery, propose a partial remedy to it, stimulate ethics in the surgery literature, and reflect on the cultural background of heart surgery. Background: After 30 years of teaching ethics in medical schools, I provide a semi-insider's impression of being a patient in heart surgery. Methods: I define types of indecency, apply them to my case, and reflect on the culture (nature) of surgery. Conclusions: Anecdotally, heart surgeons need much improvement. One way to do so is by helping patients prepare for their postoperative experiences and support them when troubling aftereffects arise.