In the U.S., racial disparities exist in the choice of high- or low-volume hospitals for pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) surgeries, impacting outcomes. A review of 30 studies reveals that more racial minorities undergo PD in low-volume hospitals. Additionally, disparities in travel distance, education levels, and median income between high- and low-volume hospitals were noted. This study underscores the need for future research to comprehensively explore socioeconomic differences in patients undergoing PD surgery, shedding light on factors influencing healthcare access and outcomes.
Review by Ikram M, Shen C and Pameijer CR in Am Surg