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Surgeons are professionals we trust with our lives, and yet there are little-known facts about the surgical world that likely won’t sit well with you. From the realities of surgical success rates to how fatigue affects surgeons, there are numerous factors that can affect patient outcomes. Understanding these hidden facts can empower you, and patients worldwide, to make more informed decisions about your health.

It's time to explore the shocking secret world of surgeons and operative care. Click through to get started.

▲Surgeons are paid much more, some as much as ten times more, to perform surgery rather than treat you non-invasively. Both the surgeon and the hospital survive on that money and are thus motivated to go with the highest-priced treatment option.

▲Surgeons want to keep you with them and their hospital or clinic, so they might not mention a procedure that’s applicable simply because they can’t perform it. This is of course highly unethical but it does happen.

▲Lots of surgeons go away for the weekend and won’t be around to make sure you are okay post-surgery if you have your operation at the end of the week. If you want to avoid dealing with someone else, consider having an elective surgery earlier in the week.

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At times, things will go array in the operating room and surgeons will have outbursts. From cursing to throwing instruments and having tantrums, surgeons are human beings with emotions too. This can be very scary though, if it's you or a loved one being operated on.

▲Surgeons have said that if there’s an error in surgery and they fix it, and if it won’t affect the patient, they often won’t mention it. Surgeons feel there’s no need to cause a patient undue stress or concern.

▲Though an experienced surgeon always needs to be present, surgeons in training with no experience will need to start operating on people in order to learn. It's a terrifying thought!

▲A hostile and overly inquisitive patient might cause nurses or even surgeons to avoid their room. Surgeons don’t have time to answer dozens of questions or deal with an anxious or upset patient and might choose to visit less often or for a shorter time.

▲Hospitals want to make money and money comes from things like operating procedures and surgeons prescribing more tests. Before you commit to a procedure, ensure you get a second opinion from another hospital or clinic.

▲If your surgeon has a financial relationship with a specific vendor and he or she is receiving a commission for each sale, then of course they are motivated to suggest that option. Make sure you ask your surgeon why they chose that option.

▲Surgeons have lives and still need to work, just like the rest of us. However, they have lives in their hands each day. It’s worth at least asking if your surgeon is well-rested before an operation. While they may not answer truthfully, it gives them the chance to be forthcoming.

▲The older, more experienced surgeons must be ‘present’ but that can range drastically from participating in the surgery to just checking in every hour. You never really know what you’re getting.

▲Surgeons try their best (usually) to make sure they are meticulous in everything from the tests they run to the labs they order and beyond. They are fearful of being sued if they miss a step or misdiagnose someone.

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If a patient leaves a hospital and then later something awful occurs, the surgeon and hospital could be blamed and even asked why the procedure wasn’t done sooner. So, in short, fear of the future and the unknown persuades surgeons to proceed as quickly as possible.

▲If a surgeon doesn’t have a complication rate, they’re likely hiding something or haven’t operated enough to have one. Even the greatest surgeons make mistakes on occasion. Take time and ask the surgeon or surgeons you’re considering how successful they are from an operational perspective.

▲Ensuring you know the post-operative care team is crucial, as they play a significant role in your recovery and immediate well-being after the procedure. Will your surgeon be there should you need them?

▲The anesthesiologist's expertise is vital for your safety and comfort during surgery, so understanding their experience and approach is as important as knowing your surgeon's credentials.

▲Legal consent forms list potential complications, but surgeons often have more specific concerns based on their experience and the intricacies of your case.

▲Surgery is not a cure-all solution, and conditions like chronic back pain often require alternative treatments or long-term management strategies.

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Referrals may be politically motivated or even be given to a friend within the field. Always get a second opinion as it could save your life.

▲Surgeons are often busy people and it’s been said that if they see a family member at an appointment, it helps subconsciously remind them that you are an important patient with family ties.

▲When you are told you need surgery, always ask about nonsurgical options and whether waiting is good. Surgeons are likely to prefer performing a surgery so advocate for yourself.

▲Cancer is a serious topic and while you want to make a timely decision in hopes of curing it, don’t let a rushed physician or surgeon influence you or your timeline.

▲If you have questions that aren’t being clearly answered, ask to see the operative notes. They may be difficult to understand but at least you would have the information at your fingertips.

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Weighing more or being obese can be challenging in pre-op as veins aren't as visible for IV insertion. Post-op infections are also more likely.

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This is absolutely terrifying. The people who are supposed to have our lives in their hands feel that other surgeons and doctors out there shouldn’t be practicing medicine.

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Be sure to follow your surgeon's advice after surgery regarding recovery time as it can severely impact you.

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Teaching hospitals often practice cutting-edge medicine and are therefore, at times, more innovative than standard hospitals or clinics.

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Surgeons and doctors hire practice management consultants to help them guide their business decisions. This can lead to unethical decisions based on monetary benefits versus your health.

Sources: (The Healthy)