After endoscopic sinus surgery, imaging confirms an orbital injury requiring further treatment. The complication was not recognised intraoperatively. What is the surgeon's immediate professional obligation?
Patient safety comes first, followed by professional candour: explain what is known, apologise, describe immediate and possible longer-term effects, document the discussion and participate in investigation and learning.
A. Wait for the formal investigation before speaking to the patient: Known facts and immediate implications should be communicated promptly; later updates can follow.
B. Avoid apologising because it admits legal liability: An appropriate apology is part of candour and does not itself constitute admission of negligence.
C. Delegate all communication to risk management: Organisational support is useful, but the responsible clinical team retains a professional duty to communicate.
D. Describe the event as an expected outcome without reviewing the facts: Minimising harm undermines trust and may misrepresent a preventable safety incident.
E. Arrange urgent care and give an open, factual explanation with apology and documented follow-up: Patient safety comes first, followed by professional candour: explain what is known, apologise, describe immediate and possible longer-term effects, document the discussion and participate in investigation and learning.
If the event were recognised during surgery, the team should first control the injury and obtain appropriate help, then provide candid postoperative explanation and ongoing support.
Independent Clinora educational preparation material; not official JCIE content, an accredited programme, clinical advice, or a substitute for local policy and specialist judgement.
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