How accurate is an operating report?

Question

How accurate is an operating report ? My surgeon told me conflicting things vs what is in my operating report . I need a touch up surgery and now unsure if i can even trust my surgeon at this point. I have a follow up to discuss the concerns .

Lexie Wang, MD · Answer

Op notes SHOULD theoretically be pretty accurate but it's very dependent on the surgeon and other factors. What I would do is ask your surgeon about what they told you vs. what is in the report re: discrepancy and see if it was a simple error or what.

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

After 25 years of performing rhinoplasty and revision rhinoplasty, we find previous operative reports to be valuable when evaluating somebody's candidacy for revision surgery. Interestingly, some intraoperative findings are a bit different than what operative reports may contain. This may be regarding something such as cartilage grafting that is not seen, or a septoplasty thing that may not have been performed. That said, cartilage crafts can reabsorb. The best advice I can give you is to get a second opinion from another reputable rhinoplasty specialist. Thank you for this question, and I hope you find this helpful. Sincerely, Dr Joseph

Rajaie Hazboun, MD, MBA · Answer

Thank you for posting your question here!I am sorry that you were given conflicting information and that you are now questioning your doctors trust.Operative reports are as accurate as the surgeon makes them , surgeons should write all major steps done in the operation , usually down to the suture they used, small tiny inconsequential details might be forgotten or unintentionally omitted but for the most part it should be accurate , but human error is always possible when it comes to documentation .I hope this helps , best of luck!

Luis A. Mejia, MD · Answer

Dear JenniLily, thanks for sharing your concerns, this kind of report must to contain all the details from the procedure, I do suggest you to get in touch with your surgeon or his team for futher details. Make sure you go on consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon. Hope this helps and best of lucks. Dr. Luis Mejia.

Richard G. Reish, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. Sometimes operative reports are accurate, sometimes they are incredibly inaccurate. There are various reasons for this and it really depends on your surgeon..

Best wishes and good luck.

Richard G. Reish, M.D.
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

Sean Fisher, MD · Answer

This is a challenging question to answer. Every surgeon is likely different in this regard, and it would be unfair to guess how technically accurate any surgeon's operative report is. It is common for surgeons to have templated operative notes, however these are generally amended shortly after the operation to include pertinent details that are specific to your own individual case. I would recommend having an honest discussion with your surgeon and express your concerns before deciding on any future surgery with them or another surgeon.
Sean Fisher MD Aesthetic Plastic SurgeonSeattle, WA

William Portuese, MD · Answer

In our experience over the last 30 years, operative reports are only somewhat helpful. Much more information is needed, such as how much cartilage is left over on the inside of the nose for potential grafting purposes when embarking on a revision rhinoplasty procedure.

How accurate is an operating report?

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