Hospital chiefs in the north-east called in a team of surgery experts from London to review standards at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, it has emerged.
In a rare move, a team from the Royal College of Surgeons arrived at the flagship hospital following a request from former medical director Dr Roelf Djikhuizen.
The Royal College of Surgeons has confirmed it had been asked to review the General Surgery Department.
The team spent two days observing conduct and interviewing employees.
NHS Grampian said the review was called after concerns were raised by medical staff.
A spokeswoman could not confirm the particular issues which led to the review.
However, it is understood that inter-personal relationships between some in the department had been highlighted as potentially problematic.
One source said: “It was all very mysterious and there was never a full explanation as to why the review was being done.
“It was very destabilising for all those involved.”
The Royal College report is due out next week, it is understood.
A spokeswoman for the Royal College of Surgeons said: “The RCS was invited by NHS Grampian to undertake an invited service review at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary.
“A review team visited the hospital in September 2014. We are working to issue the report to NHS Grampian in November.”
The review will be the first of two to be published this winter into conduct and practice at the infirmary.
Healthcare Improvement Scotland is due to report in the first week of December following a full inspection at ARI in September.
Its publication will coincide with the departure of chief executive Richard Carey, who announced last week he is to take early-retirement from the crisis hit board.
Chairman Bill Howatson has also resigned with the search now on for two high-level replacements.