The observation on a single case by the authors of the recent article,
seems generally an unaccepted procedure though has been successful in the
case [1]. The fundamentals of human research ethics are (a) respect
for persons, (b) beneficence and (c) justice. Regardless of
limitations, these principles must guide the behavior of all individuals
in planning, conducting and sponsoring human research. Respect for persons
recognizes the capacity and right of all individuals to make their own
choice and decision. An important component of these principles is the
need to provide special protection to vulnerable persons. Women might also
be considered a vulnerable group. In some cultures, women must defer to
men in the decision making process, making true voluntary consent
difficult.
Although, in their communication, the authors have
brought out a point stating "the natural relation between husband and wife
should overcome any inhibitions for something which will go a long way for
their baby", to practice this novel procedure for retracted nipple cure
may not be possible for many situations and therefore cannot be fully
adopted. It may be difficult for any clinician to describe and monitor the
process in practice. Cultural inhibition could be another factor for the
reproducibility of this procedure and may generate some wrong insistence
and practices among men on women for the benefit of the baby for which
some alternative, including existing proven practices should be tried.
Reference
1. Rathi S, Mandliya J. A novel approach to correct
retracted nipples. Indian Pediatr. 2011;48: 245.