To the Editor:—
Dr. Ficarra's points are well taken (206:1574, 1968), but he gives no place to those of us who perform surgery on patients who do not require studies or serum proteins, electrolytes, the presence or absence of hypoproteinemia, etc. Many generally well patients have elective surgery, or even emergency surgery, in which hospitalization is not at all necessary. This is particularly true in the field of ophthalmology where considerable attention is being given to this matter, with the resultant lifting of many restraints and the changing of modalities to the immense advantage of the patient financially and otherwise.In any case, if the surgeon has the proper rapport with the patient and his family, conducts himself with decorum, and renders the best service that is in him to give, he will not be negligent. Under such conditions, even in the unlikely event of catastrophe, there is little