Unfortunately, surgeons perform erroneous operations more often than we would like to think. A 2006 study estimates that about 2,700 surgeries per year are performed on the wrong body part, the wrong side, or the wrong patient. It is important to be pro-active in preventing such a possibility. Always make sure you know the exact spot on which doctors plan to perform surgery. If you believe someone is marking it incorrectly, insist on consulting with a supervising physician. Similarly, state your name and birth date to everyone involved in preparing you for your surgery, to ensure that you are not confused with another patient.