Why do people die after surgery? A call for research action

Abstract

Death after surgery is largely under-recognized and poorly understood. While the intent of surgery is for benefit, a risk of death is always present. This risk is dependent upon many factors, including the type and severity of surgery, the disease requiring surgery, and patients’ physiological reserve. However, most are unaware that an estimated 4.2 million people die within 30 days of surgery each year. If surgery were categorised as a ‘cause of death’, it would be the third leading cause of death worldwide.