Survey on public perceptions of overlapping surgery

Editor's Note

A survey of public perceptions of overlapping surgery found that only a small minority of the general public is aware of the practice.

Of 1,454 respondents, 56 (3.9%) were aware of overlapping surgery, and 440 (31%) supported or strongly supported the practice.

The majority believed attending surgeons should inform them in advance (94.7%), define the critical components of the procedure (95.6%), and document what portion of the procedure they are present for (91.5%).

Though the majority of respondents were not supportive of the practice, they would consider it acceptable in specific circumstances, the authors note.

Overlapping surgery is highly contentious, both in terms of the safety of the practice and the degree to which patients should be informed. However, no study has surveyed attitudes of the general public toward overlapping surgery and willingness to consent to such a procedure.