Peer-reviewed article
Transplantation of Abdominal Viscera
To the Editor. — In the March 10 issue ofJAMA, Starzl et al1and Williams et al2describe a daring experimental procedure with potential efficacy for the treatment of a variety of otherwise fatal…
To the Editor. — In the March 10 issue ofJAMA, Starzl et al1and Williams et al2describe a daring experimental procedure with potential efficacy for the treatment of a variety of otherwise fatal pediatric gastrointestinal problems. Starzl et al report the animal data that encouraged their group to experiment on humans. Williams et al report that, although the patients died, "the technical aspects of the procedure were tested and the feasibility of the procedure established." Goldsmith3describes the visceral transplantation procedures as "experimental operations" that have led to modifications in both the procedure and the patient populations for which it is considered. Moore,4in an accompanying editorial, describes three ethical considerations that should precede decisions to continue such research: only centers with adequate laboratory background, adequate clinical experience, and willingness to report results should proceed with such surgery. Neither article mentions institutional review board
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About the author
John D. Lantos is a pediatrician and bioethicist writing on AI in medicine, neonatal intensive care, and end-of-life decisions. His essays appear in JAMA, JAMA Pediatrics, the Hastings Center Report, the New England Journal of Medicine, and Aeon. Read more about John.