Estimating Lung Resection Risk: A Pilot Study of Trainee and Practicing Surgeons

Surgeon estimates are not accurate in predicting lung resection complications using vignette-based, matched-pair methodology. Practicing surgeons and trainees base risk estimates on limited objective clinical data. Trainee estimates are more susceptible to modification by a standard risk score than are estimates of practicing surgeons. Prospective studies are necessary to further explore the etiology, accuracy, and utility of surgeon risk estimates.