Question:
How do you check a surgeon's mortality rate?

Is there any way to find out if a particular surgeon has had any deaths among the patients he has operated on for WLS?    — Hackett (posted on March 19, 2002)

March 19, 2002
Susan ~ I just came right out and asked my physician. I also asked his office staff and I also asked the company representing his office - just to make sure the answers matched. Don't be afraid to ask, I believe the question is a lot more common than you might think.
   — Lisa J.

March 19, 2002
My doctor's office gives a LONG summary of what to expect pre and post op and the mortality rates were included in the 6 page summary. Plus, my doctor told me about the 2 people who died and what the complications were. I didn't even have to ask him, he brought it up since he said it's a common concern.
   — Patty H.

March 19, 2002
I just asked, it was my first question.
   — ZZ S.

March 19, 2002
I just asked, actually, it was my first question.
   — ZZ S.

March 19, 2002
Hi, I just asked. Ethnically and morally Dr's are required to tell you this information. But you not only want to know how many people have died you should also ask how many of these procedures he has done.
   — Emile N.

March 19, 2002
Mortality rate is not the whole answer. Some surgeons will not take on higher risk patients in order to keep their rate low. These numbers do not guarantee a safe surgery alone. If you have a surgeon you like and his rate is a bit higher, find out if his compassion for the m/o is stronger than his/her need for lower mortality rates.
   — faybay

March 19, 2002
My surgeon tells every patient what his mortality rate is on the first visit. He wants to be as upfront and honest as he can be. Since you are trusting your life to him, any surgeon should tell you. If not, like the others have said, ASK. Good luck and best wishes.
   — grammie5

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