Surgeons' Experiences After Surgical Errors: Insights From a Urology Department

Surgical practice is rewarding but also challenging, and adverse patient events can deeply affect surgeons. In this study, we explored how such events influence surgeons' personal well-being, emotional state, and professional performance.

This qualitative descriptive study was conducted using semi-structured interviews with 13 urology faculty members and residents at Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis.

Thirteen participants, including four faculty members and nine residents, were interviewed to understand their experiences and coping strategies with surgical errors. Types of surgical errors in the field of urology included technical, cognitive, clinical decision-making, unintentional, fatigue-related, diagnostic, and equipment- or environment-related errors. Six themes were emerged regarding participants' experiences including psychological and emotional impact, impact on professional practice, social support and relationships, external contributing factors, access to psychological support, and legal consequences.

Our study showed that adverse events in surgery affect surgeons both personally and professionally. Supporting surgeons through these experiences, by institutional programs such as establishing formal counseling centers, can reduce stress and enhance learning. Recognizing that mistakes are part of surgical practice and using them as opportunities for growth can benefit both surgeons and their patients.