Historically, the surgeon has evolved from being a generalist, in charge of performing all types of interventions, to a specialist in specific anatomical or functional parts. This evolution has continued and we can now speak of super-specializations whereby the physician, without forgetting the patient as a whole, deals with and has a more in-depth knowledge of diseases.
This surgical superspecialization makes it possible to embrace knowledge. Nowadays, in any science, the great amount of existing knowledge makes it difficult for the professional to cover it, with the consequent deficit in the possible care. On the other hand, speaking of surgical procedures, where manual experience is essential, the greater frequency in the performance of certain interventions will lead to greater safety and efficacy, fewer post-surgical complications and better results, both medical and in terms of hospital stay.
As regards the complications that can arise in thyroid and parathyroid surgery, my specialty, the most important ones to consider are suffocating hematoma, hypoparathyroidism and mainly dysphonia due to lesion of the nerves that mobilize the vocal cords. The last two can cause a significant alteration in the patient’s quality of life, so it is necessary to try to minimize them.
Speaking specifically of endocrine surgery, Spain is at the same level as other centers of international prestige in which I myself have super-specialized throughout my professional career. It is not so much a need for means, which are also there, as for knowledge and surgical technique.
The humanistic side of the profession
In my medical work, the humanistic aspect of the profession is very important, as it helps to get to know man. When a patient hears the news that he is suffering from a disease that requires surgical treatment, he simultaneously receives two great attacks on his existential situation, one in terms of the abrupt rupture that this entails for his life in society, mainly in his family. The second, as regards himself, since he will have to face a situation, in many cases unknown, of entering an operating room and leaving in the hands of strangers nothing less than his own life. It is a time when feelings of fear, weakness or rejection appear and deteriorate life. Therefore, a physician, no matter how much technical training he or she may have, will always be far from true professional excellence if he or she does not share empathy for the person who comes to seek help.
As a university professor, I believe that the task of teachers is to transmit health knowledge to students and to integrate their actions with the patient. This is constantly being attempted and enhanced, not only in the classroom but also in the healthcare centers where they do their internships. However, like all human performance, this care depends on each person and can always be improved.