Exploring variation in surgical practice: does surgeon personality influence anastomotic decision-making?

Area of Science:

• Surgical decision-making
• Psychological traits in medicine
• Colorectal surgery

Background:

• Decision-making under uncertainty can be influenced by individual personality.
• The study aimed to investigate the relationship between surgeon personality traits and decisions made during colorectal anastomosis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore associations between surgeon personality traits and colorectal anastomotic decision-making.
• To compare surgeon personality profiles with the general population.

Main Methods:

• A two-part online survey was administered to colorectal surgeons globally.
• Part 1 assessed personality using the Big Five Inventory; Part 2 presented anastomotic decision-making scenarios.
• Statistical analyses included repeated-measure ANOVA and two-tailed t tests.

Main Results:

• 186 surgeons participated; 127 completed both survey parts.
• Surgeons showed significantly higher emotional stability, lower agreeableness, extraversion, and openness than the general population.
• Personality traits were associated with anastomotic decisions in specific scenarios, with female surgeons displaying lower openness.

Conclusions:

• Colorectal surgeons possess unique personality profiles compared to the general population.
• Specific personality traits are linked to anastomotic decision-making in particular contexts.
• Further research is needed on personality, risk-taking, and surgical decision-making.