To my understanding it never was much of a secret that once he had recovered from the transplant surgery and his new donor kidney was functioning properly, he was to undergo a second surgery to remove his original defective kidney(s).
It makes sense that that is likely what his surgery of a few days ago was for, as well as why he did not reply immediately.

Regarding the "herd mentality" comment, well beyond hearsay and innuendo, his official documented record as an insurance/annuity salesman is extremely revealing as to his personal scruples and integrity.

http://www.cbs.state.or.us/ins/admin_actions/actions_2011/producer_2011/10-02-005-p.pdf

Quote
...The evidence also established that Mr. Claiborne made false statements, as well as an untimely response to the Division, including statements under oath, in an attempt to shield himself from liability for his conduct. His statements to investigators were often self-serving, contradictory, and contrary to all other available evidence. Given those false statements, the Division can have no assurance that Mr. Claiborne will fully cooperate with any future investigations that might arise. Mr. Claiborne has thus demonstrated a willingness to deceive other insurance companies, the Division, and most importantly, the consumers, to serve his own interests. Because the Division cannot rely on Mr. Claiborne to tell the truth, its ability to effectively regulate his conduct to protect consumers in the future will be severely restricted.
Given the evidence in this matter, the ALJ concluded that the appropriate sanction is revocation. ORS 744.074(1) allows the Division to revoke Mr. Claiborne‟s license. The Division takes seriously its responsibility to protect the public from unscrupulous licensees. Mr. Claiborne‟s license has already been suspended once for similar misconduct. (Ex. A1.) Given his prior discipline and level of misconduct at issue here, the Division finds that the only appropriate sanction is the revocation2 of Mr. Claiborne‟s license....