In the world of medicine, especially surgery, we often hear about doctors who claim that their procedures are free from complications. It sounds like a promise of perfection, but is that really possible? The truth is that every medical procedure, regardless of the specialist’s experience, carries a risk of complications. This results from many factors: the patient’s health, adherence to postoperative instructions, and sometimes simply unpredictable circumstances beyond anyone’s control. At Wyspa Medycyny Przyjaznej, we believe that a good doctor is not one who never encounters complications, but one who faces the patient when a problem arises, takes responsibility, and works together with the patient to find solutions. Let us look at why complications are an inherent part of medicine and how trust can be built between doctor and patient so that difficulties can be faced together.
Complications following surgical procedures can have various causes, and many of them are related to patient-specific factors. Health conditions such as poorly controlled chronic diseases (e.g. diabetes or hypertension) can significantly increase the risk of complications such as infections or delayed wound healing. Another factor is failure to follow postoperative instructions—missing prescribed medication, excessive physical activity, or improper hygiene of the surgical site can lead to serious problems. Sometimes patients do not disclose such mistakes because they feel embarrassed or fear being reprimanded, making it more difficult for the doctor to respond quickly. Complications may also result from individual biological predispositions that cannot be predicted, such as a tendency to develop hypertrophic scars or unusual allergic reactions. Medical errors occur in rare cases, but even then it is crucial for the doctor to address the situation openly. As our specialists say, “A surgeon who never has complications probably does not operate very often.” Statistics are unforgiving—even our grandmothers, who have been making perfect chicken broth from the same family recipe for decades, sometimes have to rescue the situation by turning it into tomato soup when something goes wrong.
At Wyspa Medycyny Przyjaznej, we place great importance on open communication and responsibility. Our doctors follow rigorous medical protocols and internal procedures, which we continuously refine based on many years of experience. Even when our treatment process appears to have been perfected, we regularly introduce further improvements to minimise the risk of complications. However, when complications do occur, we do not hide behind the clinic’s doors. We believe that a doctor has a duty to take responsibility—to speak honestly with the patient, explain the possible causes of the problem, and propose a plan of action. It is equally important that patients are not afraid to disclose their own mistakes, such as missed medication or failure to follow postoperative instructions. Only mutual openness makes it possible to resolve even the most difficult situations effectively. Instead of seeking another doctor out of fear of confrontation, we encourage patients to return to the specialist who treated them. That doctor knows the course of the procedure best and can respond most quickly.
Complications, although unwanted, are part of medicine, just as unforeseen situations are part of life. The key is for the patient and doctor to form a team based on trust and mutual honesty. At Wyspa Medycyny Przyjaznej, we emphasise that there is no point in pretending complications do not exist or in blaming one another. Instead, we encourage dialogue—patients should not be afraid to ask about the details of a procedure, report concerning symptoms, or admit to mistakes made during recovery. Doctors, in turn, have a duty to listen, explain, and act. Our clinic’s philosophy is expressed in the words: “Together, we can always find a way.” Even if something goes wrong, as with grandmother’s chicken broth, the situation can often be rescued with the right approach. Therefore, if you experience complications, do not be afraid to return to your doctor—it is the first step towards resolving the problem and regaining peace of mind.