On the other hand, a long standing history of sciatica decreases the chances of a cure and the older the history, the worse the long-term prognosis. Thus, it seems reasonable not to prolong medical treatment over two months and to advise surgery after a well conducted course of treatment ...
The best are the chapters on the right to bad news, painful choices between patients, obtaining informed consent in clinical trials, compromising between the quantity and the quality of life, and the attraction of alternative therapies. The first and last chapters consider the importance of honesty...