New study shows older surgeons obtain better outcomes with lower surgical mortality. The numbers broke down as follows…
This study found the highest mortality (risk of death) after surgery occurred in patients operated on by surgeons in their 30’s. Mortality rates were better for surgeons in their 40s, better yet for surgeons in their 50s and best for surgeons in their 60s. There are at least two possible explanations for the finding that the more experience the better, and that surgeons in their 60s had the lowest mortality rates. First there is the improved skill that comes with increased experience. Second is the improved judgment that comes with experience to avoid surgery in patients where the benefits do not outweigh the risks. As a surgeon in his 60s I was particularly interested in these results.
