Why are Some Doctors Reluctant to Operate?

It’s a common stereotype in pop culture that all surgeons are eager to operate regardless of what’s best for the patient. The truth is that no good surgeon believes that surgery is the best option in every instance. In this article, we will talk about why some surgeons are reluctant to perform procedures in certain circumstances.

Reluctant Surgeons

There are many reasons why a surgeon may be reluctant to operate. The most common and legitimate reason is that the patient in question is simply not a good candidate for the procedure in question. Another reason may be that the surgeon is unfamiliar with the particular procedure you are seeking. If this is the case, many physicians will refer you to a trusted colleague who has experience with the procedure.

Finally, a doctor may be hesitant to perform an operation because they believe another treatment method will work better. Medicine is subjective in many ways. One doctor may recommend surgery, while another physician recommends pain medications for the same condition. This is why second opinions can be incredibly valuable.

Watch out for Over-Eagerness Too

While caution is a good physician characteristic, over-eagerness should send up warning flags. Some surgeons will always recommend surgery, regardless of the patient’s specific circumstances. This can happen for numerous reasons – the surgeon may be concerned more with their reputation or bottom line, or they may actually be convinced that surgery is always the best option. The fact is that spine surgery is not the greatest treatment method in every case. Some patients will do better with conservative treatments, and other patients simply are not good candidates for certain procedures.

It’s important to remember that you should always investigate all of your options before deciding on a course of treatment. If your physician is advocating surgery but you are on the fence, don’t hesitate to get a second opinion from another doctor. Ultimately, you are in charge of the treatments you receive. A good physician can explain all of your options, but you have to make the final decision. For that reason, it’s important to take an active role in your healthcare.