DougR, you asked for my opinion on why did the guy operate at all if it was worse than he had thought it was, and something he couldn't handle? Obviously, without knowing exactly what happened it's very hard to say what happened and why. But I understand your question, and can give a general sort of answer.

It's common for a surgeon to do an operation not knowing precisely what he or she will find: X-rays and CT scans and MRI scans can only go so far. It's also common for an unexpected finding or complication not to show itself immediately--for example, not until the superficial layers of tissue are removed or moved aside. It's quite possible that it was only after getting partway through the procedure that the surgeon realized it was more complicated than he originally thought, and felt the most prudent option was to stop right there. In general, the surgeon explains to the patient before the surgery that this is one possible outcome. Again, without knowing the specifics of Kendall's case it's difficult for me to say more, but maybe that will help to clarify things.

Aloha,
Mark