Surgeon-Driven Cost Variability in Gastrointestinal Operations

Cost aspects of care episodes attributable to surgeons’ management decisions were evaluated in a tertiary academic cancer center. A study involving 1540 patients undergoing gastrointestinal operations revealed significant variations in total direct costs between surgeons. The main drivers of cost differences included operating room (OR) supplies, central medical supply, laboratory, and supportive care. This study highlights the importance of surgeons’ variable utilization of ORs and medical supplies in determining care-related costs, emphasizing the need for cost-effective practices and supply optimization to enhance value generation.