Determining a Surgeon's Ability

Choosing a Surgeon

The correct recognition of surgical anatomy is the most important factor that determines a surgeon's ability to perform any safe and effective operation. Their dexterity and availability of assistants, proper instruments and devices are also important as secondary roles in achieving the desired outcome.

The more surgical anatomy is complex and significantly altered by disease process, the more challenging it becomes to identify the correct tissue landmarks. When surgical anatomy is not properly identified, complications such as unintentional organ injury may occur, blood loss may be higher, operations may take longer, infection may develop, blood clots may be formed, reoperation may be required, hospital stay may be prolonged, home recovery extended and return to normal activities delayed.

A surgeon learns the correct recognition of surgical anatomy during medical school, residency and fellowship. Their dedication, length and quality of the training programs are important in achieving this intricate skill. Unequivocal knowledge of the three-dimensional appearance of different organs, tissues, cavities and blood vessels is the quintessential prerequisite for a surgeon to execute a successful operation.