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Friday surgeries tend to be riskier due to several factors, often referred to as the "Friday Effect." Here’s why:
1. Reduced Post-Operative Care Over the Weekend
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Fewer staff on weekends: Hospitals typically have fewer specialists, senior doctors, and support staff available on Saturdays and Sundays.
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Delayed response to complications: If post-op issues arise, they might not be caught or managed as quickly as they would on a weekday.
2. Surgeon & Staff Fatigue
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By Friday, surgeons and operating room staff have worked a full week, increasing the likelihood of errors due to mental and physical fatigue.
3. Delayed Follow-Ups & Testing
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Many essential follow-up tests (such as imaging, blood work, or specialist consultations) may be postponed until Monday, potentially delaying critical interventions.
4. Higher Readmission & Mortality Rates
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Studies suggest patients who have surgery on a Friday have higher rates of complications and hospital readmissions compared to those who undergo surgery earlier in the week.
5. Weekend Discharge Pressure
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Some hospitals push to discharge patients before the weekend to free up beds, sometimes leading to premature releases without adequate recovery time.
Bottom Line
If possible, elective surgeries are often safer when scheduled earlier in the week to ensure better post-op care and monitoring. However, emergency surgeries are unavoidable and hospitals have protocols in place to manage weekend cases.
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