Document resource
Surgeons have a reputation for saving lives in emergencies, but 80% of surgery is planned.1 The public thinks of health conditions as following a passive linear progression from symptoms, scans, and diagnosis through to treatment (such as surgery) and recovery. Often, healthcare isn’t like that.2 It’s rarely mentioned outside healthcare settings that around 12-14% of patients experience complications or regret after surgery,3 or that some complications are predictable or preventable with more patient preparation and good teamwork.3