Racial Disparities Impact Surgical Outcomes in Diverse Patient Populations

A comprehensive analysis of over 7.5 million surgical patients reveals significant racial disparities in postoperative outcomes. White, Asian, and Native Hawaiian patients exhibited better outcomes compared to Black and American Indian patients, who faced higher rates of complications. Additionally, socio-economic factors such as wealth, healthcare access, and food security influence discharge destinations and recovery. The findings highlight the urgent need for targeted investigations to address these disparities and improve surgical care for all racial and ethnic groups.