Influence of the Day of Week for Surgery

What day of the week is best to have elective surgery? Analysis of 4.1 million inpatient elective surgical procedures in Britain found the 30-day mortality was 6.7 per 1000 procedures. When compared with Monday procedures, the adjusted odds ratio for death was 7% higher for Tuesday surgeries. The rates for surgeries done on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and weekends were 15%, 21%, 44%, and 82%, respectively. Remember, complications are most likely to occur in the first 48 hours, and personnel and services are more limited on the weekends.

PositiveTip: If it is elective surgery, schedule early in the week when possible.