A friend,age 48,is having heart surgery and was told the survival chances of getting through surgery are 50/50

Question

Why would a doctor tell him that?

Answer 1

A better question is why would your friend go to that doc.

Answer 2

Informed consent.  The doctor must tell the patient what the benefits and risks are for surgeries.  Why would the patient not want to know their chances?  Ultimately, the patient makes the decision whether to have the surgery or not.  Thus, they need to know all the information.  

In fact, before they operate the surgeon must have a signed consent form stating that the patient has been educated on the risk and benefits of the procedure.

Answer 3

Methinks he is over-dramatizing said event.  Doctors, as a rule, will not do open heart with a 50/50 chance.  They would find some other method, unless it is a last option.  However, I believe he is playing for the pity factor.  Be sweet to him, though, as open heart surgery is nothing to laugh at, over-stated survivals odds or not.