Managing the Risks of Concurrent Surgeries

JAMA Network open access

.... Overlapping or concurrent operations involve scheduling substantive portions of 2 or more surgeries to occur during the same time. In these overlapping operations, delegation of responsibility to trainees and assistants is necessary. Particularly at teaching hospitals, concurrent surgeries are not uncommon, but the practice may not be well understood by patients. Although overlapping operations can often be managed responsibly, 2 problems require attention. First, what are the boundaries of safe practice (and who should set them)? Second, how should surgeons communicate with patients about these practices?....