| [ Summary ] |
For terminally ill patients with malignant tumors, it is important that they be fully cared for to provide the treatment and medical care which the patients really wish for while preserving their human dignity. In Japan, advance directives for death with dignity are illegal. Therefore, if a terminal patient with complications from malignant tumors who is receiving maintenance dialysis should request to discontinue dialysis, the patient's decision to stop dialysis must be made on the basis the patient's own choice, understanding all information and being ready to accept death. This wish should be respected to the utmost, unless it harms others. Additionally, if no other way is available after all efforts are taken, the physician should allow discontinuation of dialysis with the families's consent. Physicians are obligated to serve patients by providing medical treatment and care with full understanding of how and what the patient and his or her family members feel, allowing the patient to accept the end of their life and providing a good death. |