Surgery is often seen as an emergency procedure, something that happens when there is no other option. But did you know that there is actually a lot of seasonality in surgical demand?
A recent study found that certain types of surgeries are more common in certain times of the year. For example, procedures for acute intra-abdominal conditions and traumas are more common in the summer months, while endoscopies, tracheostomies, and gastrostomies are more common in the winter months.
This is likely due to a number of factors, such as weather patterns, lifestyle changes, and even viral infections. For example, people are more likely to be involved in accidents or get injured in the summer when they are more active outdoors. And in the winter, people are more likely to get sick and need surgery to treat their illnesses.
Understanding the seasonal variation in surgical demand can be important for hospitals and healthcare providers. It can help them to staff their facilities appropriately and to make sure that they have the resources they need to meet patient demand.