You would know just before the surgery. The surgeon is supposed to be there before you are put down. At least it's what happened to me twice.
Last time I had a different anesthetist than the one I saw before. But I was happy because I did not have affinity with the one I met and the one I had was very welcoming and kind. Which is a really good trait for the person that is responsible to supplant your vital functions for some hours.
The nominal surgeon usually does the “heart” of the procedure: replacing your ACL, removing a tumor, etc. Their assistants just get you into/out of the state where that happens.
Surely you don’t expect the surgeon to personally do everything related to the case, right? Wash the drapes, prep the instruments?
They most likely didn't though as it would be a flat out lie. He probably explained the procedure etc but never commited to doing it himself specifically.
Or maybe something more important came up just prior. Ultimately people have the learn and have a go at some point - with your attitude they would be no more doctors.
There doesn't have to be any deception on anyone's part for their to be new surgeons. If a new surgeon is doing the operation, he/she should be the one to meet the patient and explain the operation
Exactly, there are "teaching" hospitals where the entire premise is that it's for newer doctors to learn. They're usually cheaper as well and people know this.
Last time I had a different anesthetist than the one I saw before. But I was happy because I did not have affinity with the one I met and the one I had was very welcoming and kind. Which is a really good trait for the person that is responsible to supplant your vital functions for some hours.