I Had a Surgical Complication—Here’s How I Dealt With It

I share one of the more difficult days in the OR—when a routine cataract surgery didn’t go according to plan. I walk through the moment everything shifted, how I kept my cool, and what came after—both technically and emotionally. If you’ve ever wondered what it feels like to be a surgeon in that moment, this episode is a rare, honest window into it. Takeaways: Sometimes, Even “Routine” Surgeries Aren’t: Dr. Flanary opens up about a recent case that didn’t go as expected—and why even years into practice, there are still moments that test every skill you’ve got. Staying Calm When Things Go Sideways: When a complication unfolds in real time, there’s no time to panic. Dr. Flanary shares how he handled a challenging situation, and what surgeons learn to do when instincts and training have to carry the moment. Confidence Doesn’t Mean Perfection: Through a powerful metaphor, Dr. Flanary reflects on how surgical confidence evolves—not as certainty that nothing will go wrong, but as the ability to keep moving when it does. Conversations After Complications Matter: How do you talk to a patient—and their family—when the procedure didn’t go exactly as planned? Dr. Flanary talks about how he approaches these moments with honesty and trust. The Policies Behind the Pressure: In a classic healthcare rant, Dr. Flanary traces how systems like Medicare Advantage add stress behind the scenes—and why real reform, especially around PBMs, can’t come soon enough.