Surreal illustration of overlapping surgeries, symbolizing informed healthcare decisions.

Overlapping Surgeries: Understanding the Real Risks and Benefits for Patients

Kai Mendoza in Health & Wellness August 2025 • 3 min read.

"A closer look at the data reveals surprising insights into overlapping surgeries and patient outcomes, challenging common misconceptions."

The debate surrounding overlapping surgeries—where a surgeon manages two operations concurrently—has stirred considerable concern among patients and healthcare professionals. A common worry is that this practice compromises patient safety and the quality of care. However, recent research offers a different perspective, suggesting that the reality might be more nuanced than initial fears indicate.

A study published in Neurosurgery (Bohl et al., 2018) specifically investigated the outcomes of 14,872 neurosurgical cases performed at a single institution. The research aimed to determine if overlapping surgeries were associated with worse patient outcomes. This large-scale retrospective analysis provides valuable data that challenges some of the prevailing negative perceptions.

This article aims to dissect these findings, offering a clear, accessible overview of what the science really says about overlapping surgeries. We'll explore the potential benefits and risks, and help you understand what this means for you or your loved ones facing surgery.

Debunking Myths: What the Data Reveals About Overlapping Surgeries

Surreal illustration of overlapping surgeries, symbolizing informed healthcare decisions.

The Neurosurgery study (Bohl et al., 2018) found that overlapping surgeries were not associated with worse patient outcomes. This conclusion challenges the assumption that dividing a surgeon's attention leads to compromised care. The researchers conducted a retrospective multivariate analysis, a robust statistical method that accounts for multiple variables, ensuring a comprehensive assessment of the data.

The study meticulously examined a range of patient outcomes, including complication rates, readmission rates, and mortality. By comparing these outcomes between overlapping and non-overlapping surgeries, the researchers were able to draw evidence-based conclusions about the safety and efficacy of the practice. The results indicated no significant difference in outcomes, suggesting that, when managed correctly, overlapping surgeries do not pose additional risks to patients.

No increase in complication rates
No significant difference in readmission rates
No higher mortality observed
Efficient use of surgical resources

Another key aspect of the debate concerns the impact of overlapping surgeries on resident training. Some argue that the practice reduces opportunities for residents to gain hands-on experience. However, recent data suggests that restrictive policies on overlapping surgeries may inadvertently decrease resident involvement in neurosurgical procedures, potentially hindering their training (Guan et al., 2018). This highlights the complex interplay between surgical efficiency, patient care, and medical education.

Making Informed Decisions About Your Surgical Care

Understanding the facts about overlapping surgeries empowers you to make informed decisions about your healthcare. While the idea of a surgeon managing multiple cases simultaneously may seem unsettling, the evidence suggests that it doesn't necessarily compromise patient safety. By engaging in open communication with your healthcare provider, you can address any concerns and gain a clearer understanding of the protocols and safeguards in place to ensure your well-being throughout the surgical process.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1093/neuros/nyy519, Alternate LINK

Title: In Reply: Overlapping Surgeries Are Not Associated With Worse Patient Outcomes: Retrospective Multivariate Analysis Of 14 872 Neurosurgical Cases Performed At A Single Institution

Subject: Neurology (clinical)

Journal: Neurosurgery

Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)

Authors: Michael A Bohl, Robert F Spetzler

Published: 2018-11-08

Everything You Need To Know

What did the Neurosurgery study reveal about patient outcomes in overlapping surgeries?

The Neurosurgery study by Bohl et al. (2018) revealed that overlapping surgeries did not lead to worse patient outcomes. The research team used a retrospective multivariate analysis, which accounts for multiple variables, and found no significant differences in complication rates, readmission rates, or mortality between overlapping and non-overlapping surgeries. The study suggests that overlapping surgeries, when managed correctly, do not inherently pose additional risks to patients.

How might restrictive policies on overlapping surgeries affect resident training in neurosurgery?

According to Guan et al. (2018), limiting overlapping surgeries could actually reduce the opportunities for residents to gain hands-on experience in neurosurgical procedures. This is because restrictive policies may decrease resident involvement, potentially hindering their training. Balancing surgical efficiency with the educational needs of medical residents is a complex issue that requires careful consideration.

What are overlapping surgeries, and what are the primary concerns associated with them?

Overlapping surgeries refer to when a surgeon manages two operations at the same time. The primary concern is whether this practice compromises patient safety and the quality of care. However, research, specifically the Neurosurgery study, indicates that when managed correctly, overlapping surgeries do not necessarily lead to worse patient outcomes.

What statistical method was used in the Neurosurgery study to analyze patient outcomes in overlapping surgeries, and why was it important?

The Neurosurgery study used a robust statistical method called retrospective multivariate analysis to compare outcomes between overlapping and non-overlapping surgeries. This method allowed researchers to account for multiple variables, ensuring a comprehensive assessment of the data. By examining outcomes like complication rates, readmission rates, and mortality, they could draw evidence-based conclusions about the safety and efficacy of overlapping surgeries.

What steps can patients take to ensure their well-being and make informed decisions when facing the possibility of an overlapping surgery?

The findings suggest that patients should engage in open communication with their healthcare providers to understand the protocols and safeguards in place. While the idea of overlapping surgeries may seem unsettling, the evidence suggests that it doesn't necessarily compromise patient safety when managed correctly. Addressing concerns and seeking clarification can empower patients to make informed decisions about their surgical care.