Most US hospital networks have low-volume hospitals performing elective surgeries that are associated with inferior outcomes. However, within these networks, there are other hospitals that meet volume standards and are located within a reasonable distance from patients’ homes. The study found significant variation in rates of low-volume surgery across different procedures. Surgical outcomes, including postoperative complications and mortality, were worse at low-volume hospitals compared to hospitals meeting volume standards.
Journal Article by Kalata S, Schaefer SL (…) Nathan H et 2 al. in JAMA Surg