Surgeons reported that complex or rarely performed cases and poor assistance were associated with the highest levels of intraoperative stress, while personal life distractions were associated with the least.

40% of surgeons indicated that they had witnessed an intraoperative complication that was directly related to surgeon stress.

Surgeons use a variety of stress coping strategies, some positive and some negative.

Formal stress management training for surgeons was favored by 82% of respondents; this type of training may optimize performance during stressful situations and minimize complications.