Published by Commons Clinic. [Web version](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/questions-about-surgical-success-rates/) Reviewer names are abbreviated. Patient reviews describe individual experiences. Review counts describe source records, not unique patients or clinical outcomes; the acquired snapshot may not include complete platform histories. Clinical education and patient accounts do not replace a consultation. Choosing your care # 7 questions behind a surgical success rate A success rate is useful only when you know what was counted, who was studied and for how long. These questions help turn an impressive number into information relevant to your own decision. Published by Commons Clinic · Updated October 21, 2026 · 4 min read [Questions to ask ↓](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/questions-about-surgical-success-rates/#consultation-questions) [Patient experiences ↓](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/questions-about-surgical-success-rates/#patient-experiences) In this guide 1. [Ask what success actually means](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/questions-about-surgical-success-rates/#guide-section-1) 2. [Find out who was included](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/questions-about-surgical-success-rates/#guide-section-2) 3. [Check the time point](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/questions-about-surgical-success-rates/#guide-section-3) 4. [Ask what happened to people missing from follow-up](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/questions-about-surgical-success-rates/#guide-section-4) 5. [Look at harms and further treatment too](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/questions-about-surgical-success-rates/#guide-section-5) 6. [Separate reviews from outcome measurement](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/questions-about-surgical-success-rates/#guide-section-6) 7. [Bring the number back to your decision](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/questions-about-surgical-success-rates/#guide-section-7) [Go to your consultation questions ↓](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/questions-about-surgical-success-rates/#consultation-questions) [![Five discussion areas surround an illustrated patient-clinician conversation: comfort, function, activities, complications and recovery support.](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/assets/medical/care-outcome-questions.webp)](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/assets/medical/care-outcome-questions.webp) **Define what a good result means to you** Original educational illustration. Five discussion areas surround an illustrated patient-clinician conversation: comfort, function, activities, complications and recovery support. Ask how results are measured, in which patients and over what period. Pain relief, daily function, returning to activities, further treatment and time or support needs are separate outcomes. Patient reviews alone cannot establish their probabilities. Illustration references: [Reference 1](https://www.ahrq.gov/cahps/about-cahps/patient-experience/prems-proms/index.html) · [Reference 2](https://www.facs.org/for-patients/surgery-faq/10-questions/) ## 1. Ask what success actually means The word may refer to less pain, improved function, a healed repair, return to sport, avoiding another operation or satisfaction with care. These are different outcomes. Ask which one the quoted figure measures and whether it reflects the task you want to regain. A person can be satisfied with communication while still having a limitation, or improve a symptom without returning to a demanding job. Start by defining the result that matters to you before comparing percentages. Sources: [AHRQ — Patient-Reported Measures](https://www.ahrq.gov/cahps/about-cahps/patient-experience/prems-proms/index.html) ## 2. Find out who was included Ask whether the patients had the same diagnosis, severity and type of operation as you. Age, prior surgery, associated injuries and health conditions can affect how relevant a study is. A figure from selected athletes may not describe someone with advanced arthritis, and a primary operation is different from a revision. Request the source of the number and an explanation of which features of your case make it more or less applicable. Similar procedure names do not guarantee comparable patients. Sources: [American College of Surgeons — Questions Before an Operation](https://www.facs.org/for-patients/surgery-faq/10-questions/) ## 3. Check the time point A result measured shortly after surgery answers a different question from one measured years later. Ask when the outcome was assessed and whether the benefit, complications or need for further treatment changed over time. If the main concern is long-term function or implant durability, an early satisfaction score is incomplete. Conversely, a long-term study may not explain the practical burden of the first recovery phase. Ask for both views where they matter to your decision. ## 4. Ask what happened to people missing from follow-up Find out whether the result includes everyone treated or only those who completed a questionnaire or returned for assessment. Missing data can make interpretation less certain, especially if people with poor or excellent outcomes respond differently. You do not need to calculate an adjusted estimate yourself. Ask the clinician how much confidence the available follow-up supports and whether the report clearly describes the people who were not reassessed. An honest explanation of uncertainty is more useful than an unexplained precise number. ## 5. Look at harms and further treatment too A benefit figure should be considered alongside complications, additional procedures and persistent symptoms. Ask whether another operation counts as a failure and what smaller interventions are excluded from that definition. Also ask what recovery the patients completed to reach the result. If a comparison shows an advantage, request the absolute difference in terms you can understand rather than relying only on a relative percentage. Discuss how the risks change with your health and the specific operation proposed. Sources: [American College of Surgeons — Questions Before an Operation](https://www.facs.org/for-patients/surgery-faq/10-questions/) ## 6. Separate reviews from outcome measurement Patient-experience measures ask about care processes such as communication, while patient-reported outcome measures assess health or function from the patient's perspective. AHRQ explains that these tools serve different purposes. Reviews can offer valuable personal accounts but are not a controlled comparison or a complete denominator of everyone treated. Use them to generate consultation questions about support, explanations and follow-up. Do not treat the average star rating as a probability that a tendon will heal or that you will achieve a particular sporting goal. Sources: [AHRQ — Patient-Reported Measures](https://www.ahrq.gov/cahps/about-cahps/patient-experience/prems-proms/index.html) ## 7. Bring the number back to your decision Ask the surgeon to explain a realistic range of possibilities for your situation, including the option of not having surgery now. Tell our team which outcome would make the recovery worthwhile and which limitation would be difficult to accept. If a result is uncertain, ask what information could narrow that uncertainty. A useful consultation connects the research, the clinician's experience and your priorities without claiming that any one statistic predicts your future. Leave knowing what the number adds and what it cannot answer. Bring the source of any number you want to discuss, not just the percentage. Sources: [American College of Surgeons — Questions Before an Operation](https://www.facs.org/for-patients/surgery-faq/10-questions/) Make the most of your visit ## Questions to bring to your consultation Choose the questions that matter most to you. Bring them along, and ask us to explain anything that is unclear. - What exact outcome does this success rate measure? - Were the patients comparable to me? - At what follow-up time was it measured? - How many treated patients were missing from follow-up? - What complications or additional treatments were counted? - How does the number differ from a review or satisfaction score? - What does the evidence suggest for my own goals and alternatives? ## Sources & further reading - [AHRQ — Patient-Reported Measures](https://www.ahrq.gov/cahps/about-cahps/patient-experience/prems-proms/index.html) Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality - [American College of Surgeons — Questions Before an Operation](https://www.facs.org/for-patients/surgery-faq/10-questions/) American College of Surgeons We use these medical sources to help explain your options and prepare you for a conversation with our team. Our guides feature our own clinicians; patient reviews describe individual experiences. [Read as Markdown](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/questions-about-surgical-success-rates/index.md) Meet our team ## People behind your care. [**Allyson Estess, MD** Orthopedic Surgeon, Sports Medicine](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/allyson-estess-md/) [More about Allyson Estess ↗](https://commonsclinic.com/physicians/allyson-estess-m-d/) [**Amandeep Bhalla, MD** Orthopedic Surgeon, Spine](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/amandeep-bhalla-md/) [More about Amandeep Bhalla ↗](https://commonsclinic.com/physicians/amandeep-bhalla-m-d/) [**David Lee, MD** Orthopedic Surgeon, Foot and Ankle](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/david-lee-md/) [More about David Lee ↗](https://commonsclinic.com/physicians/david-lee-md/) [**Richard Ahn, MD** Orthopedic Surgeon, Sports Medicine – Elbow, wrist, and hand](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/richard-ahn-md/) [More about Richard Ahn ↗](https://commonsclinic.com/physicians/richard-ahn-md/) Explore our clinicians, then talk with us about your symptoms, goals, and the care you need. Patient experiences ## Meet the clinician. *Hear the experience.* Read how patients describe their care, then bring the questions that matter to your own visit. Each portrait stays with that clinician’s accounts. [![Amandeep Bhalla, MD](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/assets/amandeep-bhalla-m-d.jpg)](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/amandeep-bhalla-md/) ## [Amandeep Bhalla, MD](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/amandeep-bhalla-md/) Orthopedic Surgeon, Spine [Biography & all reviews →](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/amandeep-bhalla-md/) [Commons Clinic profile ↗](https://commonsclinic.com/physicians/amandeep-bhalla-m-d/) Excerpt > All staff were wonderful and Dr. Bhalla exceeded expectations. M. Wirga Rating: 5/5 · Source: Google · Date: April 30, 2026 [Reviewer’s Google activity](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/105362536421127159287/place/ChIJ8YAf0pAz3YARGxtBH2uG-xA) Source link type: reviewer place Attributed clinician: Amandeep Bhalla, MD The reviewer shares their experience of care. Excerpt > His attitude and caring for my problem was beyond my expectations prior to and after my surgery. All of his staff are fabulous and caring. C. Fesmire Rating: 5/5 · Source: Google · Date: November 9, 2024 [Reviewer’s Google activity](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/117614057779757316145/place/ChIJ8YAf0pAz3YARGxtBH2uG-xA) Source link type: reviewer place Attributed clinician: Amandeep Bhalla, MD The reviewer shares their experience of care. [![Richard Ahn, MD](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/assets/richard-ahn-md.jpg)](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/richard-ahn-md/) ## [Richard Ahn, MD](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/richard-ahn-md/) Orthopedic Surgeon, Sports Medicine – Elbow, wrist, and hand [Biography & all reviews →](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/richard-ahn-md/) [Commons Clinic profile ↗](https://commonsclinic.com/physicians/richard-ahn-md/) Excerpt > The entire process was just as Dr. Ahn explained and the surgery center nurses, anesthesiologist were great. S. Jenkins Rating: 5/5 · Source: Google · Date: March 14, 2026 [Reviewer’s Google activity](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/101768222199130184210/place/ChIJ5ZcieJcz3YARAmR7mrBZU7Q) Source link type: reviewer place Attributed clinician: Richard Ahn, MD The reviewer shares their experience of care. [![Allyson Estess, MD](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/assets/allyson-estess-m-d.jpg)](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/allyson-estess-md/) ## [Allyson Estess, MD](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/allyson-estess-md/) Orthopedic Surgeon, Sports Medicine [Biography & all reviews →](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/allyson-estess-md/) [Commons Clinic profile ↗](https://commonsclinic.com/physicians/allyson-estess-m-d/) Excerpt > Dr. Estess was professional, relayed concern/interest and most of all clearly explained what she thought my issue was. J. A. Rating: 5/5 · Source: Zocdoc · Date: January 9, 2023 [Zocdoc profile](https://www.zocdoc.com/doctor/allyson-estess-md-526861) Source link type: listing Attributed clinician: Allyson Estess, MD The reviewer shares their experience of care. [![David Lee, MD](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/assets/david-lee-md.png)](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/david-lee-md/) ## [David Lee, MD](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/david-lee-md/) Orthopedic Surgeon, Foot and Ankle [Biography & all reviews →](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/david-lee-md/) [Commons Clinic profile ↗](https://commonsclinic.com/physicians/david-lee-md/) Excerpt > Great, professional, answered all my questions, explained the procedure. My leg was shattered in some places. K. Cotter Rating: 5/5 · Source: Google · Date: January 8, 2020 [Reviewer’s Google activity](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/110949525703859866584/place/ChIJwywFJecz3YARtT6_xCQSQgM) Source link type: reviewer place Attributed clinician: David Lee, MD The reviewer shares their experience of care. Excerpt > Prompt and professional care. Diagnosed the problem and > and explained it fully. T. Everson Rating: 5/5 · Source: Google · Date: November 3, 2019 [Reviewer’s Google activity](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/118308769454810801648/place/ChIJwywFJecz3YARtT6_xCQSQgM) Source link type: reviewer place Attributed clinician: David Lee, MD The reviewer shares their experience of care. Keep exploring ## Your next *good question.* More guidance to help you understand your options and plan your next step. Choosing your care ### [7 details that make a patient review useful](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/how-to-read-physician-reviews/) Patient reviews are most useful when they help you recognize the experience you want and prepare better questions. Read the details, the source, and the limits of each account. [Read the guide](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/how-to-read-physician-reviews/) Choosing your care ### [7 signs a physician is a good fit for your problem](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/choosing-orthopedic-physician-best-fit/) The right orthopedic physician starts with your problem, your goals, and a clear explanation of the choices. Use expertise, communication, and access together when making your decision. [Read the guide](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/choosing-orthopedic-physician-best-fit/) Choosing your care ### [8 things to bring to your first orthopedic visit](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/preparing-first-orthopedic-visit/) A short symptom story, the right records, and a few priorities can help your first orthopedic visit end with a plan you understand. You do not need to arrive with your own diagnosis. [Read the guide](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/preparing-first-orthopedic-visit/) Meet the clinicians ## Explore your *next conversation.* [![Allyson Estess, MD](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/assets/allyson-estess-m-d.jpg)](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/allyson-estess-md/) Orthopedic Surgeon, Sports Medicine ### [Allyson Estess, MD](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/allyson-estess-md/) Marina del Rey · Torrance · Long Beach – Bixby Knolls [Meet Allyson Estess](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/allyson-estess-md/) [![Amandeep Bhalla, MD](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/assets/amandeep-bhalla-m-d.jpg)](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/amandeep-bhalla-md/) Orthopedic Surgeon, Spine ### [Amandeep Bhalla, MD](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/amandeep-bhalla-md/) Long Beach – Bixby Knolls [Meet Amandeep Bhalla](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/amandeep-bhalla-md/) [![David Lee, MD](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/assets/david-lee-md.png)](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/david-lee-md/) Orthopedic Surgeon, Foot and Ankle ### [David Lee, MD](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/david-lee-md/) Long Beach – Douglas Park · Long Beach – Bixby Knolls [Meet David Lee](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/david-lee-md/) [![Richard Ahn, MD](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/assets/richard-ahn-md.jpg)](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/richard-ahn-md/) Orthopedic Surgeon, Sports Medicine – Elbow, wrist, and hand ### [Richard Ahn, MD](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/richard-ahn-md/) Lakewood · Long Beach – Douglas Park [Meet Richard Ahn](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/richard-ahn-md/) ## Publisher & attribution Commons Clinic Reviews is operated by Commons Clinic. 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