Your patient's culture forbids physical mutilation but the patient needs surgery do you think the power of communication could make him change his mind?

Answer 1

It's possible... it depends on what exactly the cultural or religious prohibition forbids, how dedicated the patient is to that culture/religion, what other options are, etc. It is certainly a tricky situation and it could potentially drive a wedge in between you and the patient if you don't respect his right to choose his own beliefs and to decide what happens to his own body. If there is a less invasive surgery, ask if that is an option. If there are other treatments, discuss those with him, along with the associated risks. Explain the consequences of not having the surgery... not as a guilt-trip, but as information.

In the end, the patient has to decide, but the more information that you provide, and the more you show that you respect the difficult choice that he has to make, the better.