Random Rants: TV Surgery

Could someone please explain why anyone in their right mind would want to watch a surgery on television? I mean what, do people come home from work and think, "You know, I could really go for a good carotid endarectomy right about now." The only people who could justify that, in my mind, would be doctors. But after actually seeing surgury live, why would you want to watch it on tv?

My dorms have Discovery Health channel, a fact that I often forget, and as I'm flipping channels, BAM! open heart surgery! It is disgusting.

I also wonder, do the patients volunteer for this? And if so, does the doctor approach the patient about it?
"Let's see, so you'll be under for about two hours. It is a very routine procedure. Oh, also, would you mind if we filmed it and showed it on National television?"

Why WHY would people want to watch this? There are a plethora of hospital TV shows, if you are intersted in that, and at least then there is a plot and generally some hot actors.