It was the first major case of my residency. A case of tongue cancer. The operation would need several surgeons and would take at least 12hrs.
Preparations required that the patient would be seen by several surgeons who would palpate and poke and prod the patients mouth... And discuss where the possible incisions would be made, what parts of the mouth and neck would be taken out... All in front of the patient.
It wasn't meant to be rude. It just seems to be the way doctors detach themselves. The importance of detachment during an operation has its merits.
Being able to emphasize with the patient may affect the judgment of the doctors, could make them play safe instead of doing what is right or ideal.
But... Patients are still people
