Women surgeons: Are they Better?: Narrative review

Surgery has historically been a male-dominated field; however, the representation of female surgeons has steadily increased, necessitating a comprehensive review of comparative performance. This narrative review synthesises recent literature to evaluate male and female surgeons across several key domains: technical skills, non-technical abilities, patient outcomes, and academic contributions. In terms of technical skills, research presents nuanced findings. While some studies suggest a potential male advantage in visuospatial skills, other evidence indicates that these initial differences can be mitigated or eliminated through dedicated training and prior experience with activities such as video games. Conversely, female surgeons consistently demonstrate superior manual dexterity. In non-technical areas, female surgeons consistently receive higher patient scores for communication, including providing clear explanations, listening attentively, and dedicating sufficient time during consultations. The literature on patient outcomes is complex and sometimes contradictory. Several large-scale observational studies and meta-analyses have reported a small but statistically significant reduction in mortality for patients treated by female surgeons, whereas other research has found no such association. Despite these findings, female surgeons remain underrepresented in senior academic and organisational leadership roles, with persistent disparities in departmental chair positions and grant funding. This gap is not necessarily attributable to a lack of productivity but rather to insufficient mentorship and institutional support. The evidence highlights that individual qualities and training are more significant than gender, although persistent systemic biases continue to pose challenges to female surgeons' career advancement and patient trust. Addressing these prejudices is essential to fostering a safe and equitable environment for all.