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Almost all surgeons have an inherent financial conflict of interest - 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.

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Some surgeons won’t mention procedures because they don’t know how to do them - 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.

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It’s better to have an elective surgery early in the week - 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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Surgeons are control freaks -

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.

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Mistakes are probably more common than you think - 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. 

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Residents have to learn how to operate - 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! 

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If you ask too many questions, they might avoid you - 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.

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About 25% of operations are unnecessary but administrators may email doctors telling them to do more - 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.

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If you need a medical device, ask if your surgeon has a financial relationship with the vendor - 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. 

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Fatigue and impatience contribute to mistakes in the operating room - 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.

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Physicians aren’t always in the operating room and scrubbed in when new surgeons are learning - 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.

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Surgeons are all afraid of being sued - 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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Surgeons may say it's better to do your operation right away, even if it's not true -

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. 

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Surgeons should have a complication rate - 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.

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You should always ask who is going to take care of you after surgery - 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?

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In addition to asking who your surgeon will be, you should ask about the anesthesiologist - 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.

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Oftentimes, the risks on the legal consent form aren’t the things the surgeon is actually worried about - Legal consent forms list potential complications, but surgeons often have more specific concerns based on their experience and the intricacies of your case.

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Some problems just don't respond well to surgery - 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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Don’t assume your primary care doctor’s recommendation is the best -

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.

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You should go to preoperative appointments with a family member - 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.

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Always ask about nonsurgical options - 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.

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Your surgeon shouldn’t push you to make a speedy decision about cancer surgery - 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.

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The only real way to understand what happened in the operating room is to read the operative notes dictated by the surgeon - 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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Obesity can pose challenges before and after surgery -

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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Many surgeons know of another surgeon who they think shouldn’t be practicing medicine -

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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The biggest mistake patients make during recovery is not giving themselves enough of a break -

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

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Some surgeons recommend a teaching hospital for serious medical conditions -

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

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Some surgeons hire practice management consultants to help capture more revenue -

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) 

See also: Places you can live to 100 in good health

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