Annual Report of the 2022 National Clinical Database: Decade-Long Trends and Current Status of Gastroenterological Surgery in Japan

The National Clinical Database (NCD) of Japan is the largest nationwide registry, covering over 95% of surgeries in the country. This 2022 annual report summarizes the short-term outcomes of gastroenterological surgeries and discusses trends and insights over the past decade.

We analyzed the NCD data for gastroenterological surgeries performed between 2013 and 2022. The number of surgeries, patient demographics, surgical approaches, postoperative outcomes, and the involvement of board-certified surgeons and anesthesiologists were examined.

A total of 591 221 surgeries were recorded in 2022. Compared to 2021, the overall surgical volume remained stable, with a continued increase in minimally invasive procedures. Patient aging continued across all organ categories, with a rise in the proportion of patients aged ≥ 80 years. Board-certified surgeon participation remained high in complex procedures, while emergency surgeries were associated with higher morbidity and mortality. Operative mortality continued to decrease, particularly in pancreatic and hepatic surgeries.

The 2022 NCD data provide a comprehensive overview of the current status and evolving trends in gastroenterological surgery in Japan. Continued efforts toward data-driven quality improvement and surgical education remain essential.