Livsuppehållning

Livsuppehållning refers to the medical interventions used to sustain a person's life when their natural bodily functions are insufficient. This can include a wide range of technologies and treatments, such as mechanical ventilation to assist breathing, artificial nutrition and hydration, dialysis to support kidney function, and medications to manage cardiovascular or organ failure. The primary goal of livsuppehållning is to maintain biological viability, giving the body time to recover or to provide comfort and support in palliative care settings.

The decision to initiate or withdraw livsuppehållning is a complex ethical and medical consideration. It often involves discussions between healthcare professionals, the patient (if able to participate), and their family. Factors such as prognosis, the patient's wishes, quality of life, and the potential for recovery are typically taken into account. Ethical frameworks and legal guidelines often guide these difficult choices, aiming to respect patient autonomy and promote well-being. The use of livsuppehållning can raise questions about the definition of life, the limits of medical intervention, and the balance between prolonging existence and ensuring a dignified end of life.