What is 'global surgery'? Defining the multidisciplinary interface between surgery, anaesthesia and public health

Area of Science:

• Global health
• Public health
• Surgical care

Background:

• Global surgery is an emerging multidisciplinary field focused on equitable surgical care.
• It addresses disparities in surgical treatment across international health systems.
• Historically neglected, global surgery is gaining traction due to awareness of international inequities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the key factors at the intersection of surgery, anesthesia, and public health.
• To highlight the challenges and opportunities in providing surgical care globally.
• To inform strategies for improving surgical outcomes in resource-limited settings.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of global surgery, public health, and anesthesia.
• Analysis of disparities in surgical care access and outcomes.
• Synthesis of factors influencing surgical care provision in low- and middle-income countries.

Main Results:

• Significant international disparities exist in surgical care access and outcomes.
• Global surgery requires collaboration between clinical and non-clinical professionals.
• Low- and middle-income countries face the greatest burden of surgical disease.

Conclusions:

• Equitable global surgical care is a critical public health imperative.
• Addressing barriers to surgical care in low-resource settings is essential.
• Integrated approaches involving surgery, anesthesia, and public health are needed for improvement.