Friday Surgeries are a Riskier Choice for Patients Study Finds
A recent study has revealed surgeries performed on Fridays carry a 12% high risk of death compared to the surgeries done earlier in the week. This finding has prompted healthcare professionals to rethink their timing of surgical procedures, as the day of the week could play a significant role in post operative survival rates.
A major finding from this study is that patients who undergo surgery on Fridays are at a significantly higher risk of death. The research, which analyzed data from hospitals in Ontario, Canada, showed that individuals who had surgeries just before the weekend faced a higher risk of death at 30 days (9% increase), 90 days (10%), and one year (12%) compared to surgeries performed after the weekend.
Why Are Friday Surgeries Riskier?
several factors contribute to the increased risk with Friday surgeries. One of the most effective risks are “staff fatigue”. Surgeons and medical professionals are tired after a long week of back to back surgeries, which can affect their concentration and performance on fridays. This could lead to increased chances of complications during and after surgery.
Another factor is “hospital resources”. Many hospitals operate on a decreased capacity during the weekends, with fewer staff and fewer specialists available. If patients require emergency care or a consult from a senior doctor, it may not be as readily accessible on Friday evenings and weekends.
Last, the “weekend effect” plays a huge role. The weekend effect refers to the event where hospitals, particularly those with fewer resources or less staffing, may struggle to provide timely post-surgical monitoring. This gap in care can add to the risks associated with surgery and recovery.
Several factors, including staff fatigue, reduced hospital staffing, and fewer available resources, contribute to the increased risks of Friday surgeries. Medical staff might be tired after a busy week, and the weekend staffing shortage can delay post-operative care.
While it’s not always possible to choose the timing of a surgery, patients concerned about the risks associated with Friday surgeries should discuss their options with their healthcare providers. Surgeons can offer advice on the optimal timing of procedures based on the patient’s condition and surgery type.
Conclusion
The timing of surgical procedures plays a significant role in patient outcomes. The study’s findings indicate that Friday surgeries are associated with a 12% higher mortality rate than those performed earlier in the week. Factors like staff fatigue, limited resources, and the weekend effect contribute to this increased risk. As healthcare providers continue to explore these correlations, there is a push to consider how surgical schedules can be improved for better patient outcomes.
Related stories:
https://interestingengineering.com/health/friday-surgeries-higher-death-risk
https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-03-weekends-affect-surgical-outcomes.html
https://www.vice.com/en/article/youre-more-likely-to-die-if-you-have-surgery-on-a-friday/
https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-03-surgery-weekend-bad-idea.html
https://www.iflscience.com/dont-have-surgery-on-a-friday-youre-more-likely-to-die-study-shows-78334
Take Action:
https://advisory.com/daily-briefing/2025/03/10/weekend-effect
