It’s entirely reasonable to be in awe of surgeons – but patients need someone they can talk to

‘It has been traditionally assumed that patients expect the “listening” part of their care to be undertaken by physicians and leave the “doing” part to surgeons.’ Photograph: Rui Vieira/PA

Some time ago, a judicious and considered surgeon was describing the complex operation required by our mutual cancer patient. The operation necessitated a large incision, prolonged anaesthesia and possibly a second operation. Then there were the long-term complications, including pain and disfigurement. The patient was elderly and somewhat vulnerable to begin with, so just listening to the plan filled me with consternation.

So, without telling him how to do his job, I asked politely: “What does the patient want?”