Hospitals often have patients sign approval for their doctor to perform surgery. In the form, the patient usually consents to the specific surgery and to any other procedures that might become necessary. Before you sign it, your doctor should give you a full description of the surgery, the risks, and the ramifications of not getting the treatment. The court deems your signed consent invalid if we prove that your physician misrepresented or failed to adequately inform you of the risks and benefits before surgery.