January 1999

Study Finds Link Between Hospital Volume and Death From Major Cancer Surgery

A number of studies have shown a correlation between hospital surgical volume for specific procedures and patient death rates. A new study by researchers at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, published in the November 25, 1998 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association, examines the Impact of Hospital Volume on Operative Mortality for Major Cancer Surgery. The study found a clear linkage between high volume and lower death rates for several major forms of cancer surgery involving the pancreas, esophagus, liver and pelvic area. This study underscores the importance of providing patients with information about a hospital's surgical volume, particularly in the case of major procedures which are technically demanding.

For additional information on the correlation between volume and mortality, read about the New York State Department of Health study which found a marked increase in the long term survival of breast cancer patients treated at hospitals doing a high volume of breast cancer surgery. Also visit the pages on our site which contain information showing the Volume of Breast Cancer Surgery performed at hospitals in Maryland, New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. We also provide information on hospital and physician cardiac surgery volume on our Cardiac Surgery page.

Health Care Choices Main Page | Who We Are/Contact Us
Information About Health Care Providers 
Insurance Information
Newsletter | Programs and Studies | Search