Cut Well, Sew Well, Do Well?

Although its origin is uncertain, the expression “cut well, sew well, do well” is known by most physicians and is probably known by every surgeon who received training in this century. It endorses principles espoused by Dr. William Halsted at the end of the 19th century that stressed that gentle handling of tissue, precise dissection, and exact tissue approximation are required to bring about a patient's best recovery. These principles are taught during residency training with the expectation that sufficient skill, knowledge, and judgment will be obtained and any inherent differences in ability among surgeons ultimately will be normalized.1 Even . . .