I had to sign a document mentioning that there was a 1/4 chance of death and if she died, the surgeon and hospital would bear no responsibility. This is standard procedure, otherwise they wouldn't operate. Two choices: 1. Let my mum stay crippled in bed forever. 2. Sign the document and let the doctors operate. I chose (2). Operation was successful.
This is pretty standard boilerplate stuff even over here.
I read the paperwork, and am all like "Well, I guess I won't be around to fight this if something goes wrong. Sign my life away, doc! This anal tearing isn't going to fix itself!"