There are three commonly cited rules of surgery that are considered fundamental principles of surgical practice:

1. Primum non nocere: This is a Latin phrase that means “first, do no harm”. It emphasizes the importance of avoiding unnecessary harm to the patient and prioritizing their safety and well-being above all else.
2. Informed consent: Before performing any surgical procedure, it is important for the surgeon to obtain the patient’s informed consent. This means that the patient must be fully informed about the risks, benefits, and alternatives to the proposed procedure, and must provide their voluntary and explicit consent to undergo the procedure.
3. Asepsis: Asepsis refers to the practice of maintaining a sterile environment during surgery to minimize the risk of infection. This involves using sterile instruments and supplies, wearing appropriate personal protective equipment, and following strict hygiene and infection control protocols.

These three rules are considered essential components of responsible surgical practice and are taught to all surgeons as part of their training. Other principles that are considered important include precision and attention to detail, respect for patient autonomy, and ongoing education and professional development.

Dr Om Patil is spine surgeon in Mumbai practising at Dadar, Sion, Chembur