Recent research from both Canada and Sweden has shed light on the positive impact of female surgeons on patients’ post-operation outcomes. The studies indicate that patients treated by female surgeons tend to experience fewer complications and better recovery compared to those treated by their male counterparts.
The Canadian study, featured in Jama Surgery, examined data from over 1.2 million patients in Ontario who underwent various surgical procedures, including heart, brain, bone, organ, and blood vessel surgeries, between 2007 and 2019. The study found that patients treated by male surgeons had a higher incidence of complications requiring further treatment within 90 days after surgery—13.9% compared to 12.5% for female surgeons. Furthermore, the disparities persisted up to a year post-operation, with 20.7% of patients under female surgeons experiencing adverse postoperative events after a year, compared to 25% for patients under male surgeons. Shockingly, patients treated by male surgeons were 25% more likely to die within 12 months of surgery than those treated by female surgeons.
Dr. Christopher Wallis, a urologic oncologist who led the Canadian study, stressed the importance of comprehending the reasons behind these differences. He emphasized that embracing practices more common among female physicians could enhance patient outcomes and improve overall care.
In Sweden, Dr. My Blohm and her team at the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm analyzed outcomes from over 150,000 gallbladder removal surgeries performed by more than 2,500 surgeons. They discovered that patients treated by female surgeons experienced fewer complications and shorter hospital stays compared to those treated by male surgeons. While the studies found that female surgeons operated at a slower pace, the results showed better outcomes.
Dr. Angela Jerath, a cardiac anesthesiologist and co-author of the Canadian study, noted the consistency of the results even when patients were matched as closely as possible for various factors. Statistical modeling was used to account for differences in patient characteristics, surgeon, anesthesiologist, procedure, and hospital factors.
Both studies highlighted that a surgeon’s behavior outside of the operating room plays a crucial role in patient recovery. Dr. Cassandra Kelleher, an associate professor of surgery at Harvard Medical School, pointed out that female surgeons might be better at preparing patients for surgery and discussing postoperative care alternatives. Dr. Kelleher suggested that the qualitative differences in the practice of female surgeons contribute to these favorable outcomes.
These studies underscore the need for comprehensive training for all surgeons, regardless of gender, to ensure the best possible patient care. Although these findings hold significance, they also recognize that surgery involves a continuum of care that extends beyond the operating room and requires further research into the underlying reasons for the observed differences.
In Australia, women surgeons represent a minority, accounting for 9-13% of the surgical workforce. The ongoing push for improved patient outcomes and the recognition of the contributions of female surgeons are vital steps toward enhancing the quality of surgical care.
