A comparison of patient and physician beliefs about infrainguinal bypass operation: What role should surgical optimism play?

Although surgeons and patients generally agree regarding the risks of infrainguinal bypass operation, both groups appear more optimistic regarding likely 5-year survival than the outcomes suggested by prior research. This optimism may play an important role in the decision to proceed with infraninguinal bypass operation, as well as the preservation of hope regarding the potential long-term benefits of such intervention.