Lawyers for former Bundaberg surgeon Jayant Patel have won the right to question jurors ahead of his manslaughter trial.

Patel is accused of causing the death of 75-year-old Mervyn Morris at the Bundaberg Hospital in 2003.

The Crown alleges Patel caused his death by performing an unnecessary operation.

Patel is due to face trial in the Supreme Court in Brisbane from Wednesday.

Led by Ken Fleming QC, Patel's legal team made an application under the Jury Act to poll the jury to try to discern any bias against their client.

In a legal first in Queensland, Justice George Fryberg this afternoon allowed the application.

It is likely the 12 jurors and three reserves will be asked to fill out a questionnaire in the jury room about Patel before the prosecution opens its case.