How much time do surgeons spend operating?

Worldwide, there is significant variation in the amount of time surgeons spend performing elective surgery. The degree of variation is unknown. The aim of this study was to assess the variation in amount of time that surgeons spend operating worldwide.

An anonymised electronic survey was sent via email to members of The Upper Gastrointestinal Surgeons (TUGS) and shared via social media. The questionnaire consisted of demographic details (age, gender, country of practice), scope of practice (full time/less than full time; private/public sector), experience and average number of days the surgeon spends performing elective surgery.

A total of 225 predominantly general/upper GI surgeons from 47 countries responded. Worldwide, the median number of days that surgeons spend performing elective surgery is 2 days a week. There was significant variation across countries/continents: UK 1 day; North America 2.5 days; Europe 3 days; Asia 2 days; Africa 2 days; South America 1 day; Oceania 1 day (p < 0.0001). All surgeons worldwide preferred to spend 3 days a week performing elective surgery except UK surgeons who desired 2 days a week.

There is significant variation in the amount of time that surgeons spend performing elective surgery worldwide. Results of this study could inform public expectations and trainee surgeons on ideal opportunities for training. Reasons for the wide variation could be explored.