Surgical procedures are a critical component of healthcare, addressing a wide range of medical needs from emergencies to elective surgeries. Interestingly, the frequency and types of surgeries performed can vary significantly with the seasons. Seasonal trends in surgeries, driven by a complex interplay of environmental, social, and health-related factors, offer valuable insights into healthcare planning and resource allocation.

 

Summer generally sees an increase in trauma surgeries. The season’s warm weather and extended daylight hours lead to higher levels of outdoor activity, which, while beneficial for health, also result in more accidents. Bicycle accidents, sports injuries, and recreational mishaps contribute to a spike in emergency orthopedic and trauma surgeries.

 

In particular, there is a boom in emergency room visits around the 4^th of July: over 45,000 people visit U.S. hospital emergency rooms for treatment of injuries on July 4^th and 5^{th 1}. According to data from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission’s National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS), this is the period that sees the most fireworks-related injuries. Over 50% of all fireworks-related injuries Americans sustain each year occur during the first week of July—reaching nearly 5,000 cases ¹. The most common types of firework-related injuries are heat burns, bruises and abrasions, and cuts. Most of the other injuries that occur around July 4^th are those that occur year-round, including slipping on floors, tripping down stairs, falling out of bed or off a chair, or pulling a muscle while exercising or playing sports. In addition, about 10% of the year’s swimming-related injuries tend to occur during the first week of July.

 

Pediatric surgeries often peak in the summer. Parents prefer to schedule surgeries for their children during school vacations to minimize academic disruption. Common procedures include tonsillectomies, adenoidectomies, and corrective surgeries for congenital conditions ^2,3.

 

In contrast, winter is a peak time for elective surgeries. A recent research study using data across a large U.S. anesthesia group from 2017 to 2019 demonstrated a one fifth increase in average daily elective caseload in December compared with January to November ⁴. Data from exploratory analyses revealed that this relationship was seen for colonoscopies (likely elective) but not for coronary artery bypass grafting (unlikely to be elective) ⁴. Many patients choose to undergo elective procedures, such as joint replacements or cosmetic surgeries, in the colder months. This trend is partly due to the desire to recover during a season when outdoor activities are less appealing. Furthermore, end-of-year insurance benefits and holiday time off from work provide practical incentives for scheduling surgeries in this period.

 

Winter also brings emergency surgeries, primarily due to complications related to influenza and other respiratory illnesses. Pneumonia, a common flu complication, can necessitate surgical intervention. Furthermore, icy conditions lead to an increase in fractures and orthopedic surgeries as people slip and fall on slippery surfaces ^4–6.

 

Understanding seasonal trends in surgeries is valuable for healthcare providers and administrators. It helps guide resource allocation and ensures that sufficient staff and medical supplies are available to meet the fluctuating demands. Moreover, awareness of these trends can support patient education and preventive care strategies, ultimately enhancing the overall efficiency and responsiveness of the healthcare system ⁷.

 

By aligning healthcare services with seasonal trends, hospitals and clinics can better manage workloads, reduce waiting times for elective surgeries, and improve patient outcomes. As healthcare continues to evolve, recognizing and adapting to these seasonal variations will remain a key component of effective medical care delivery.

 

References

 

1. July 4 brings a boom in injury-related hospital visits | Pew Research Center. Available at: https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2019/07/03/hospital-emergency-room-visits-fourth-of-july/. (Accessed: 22nd May 2024)
2. Spencer, E., Berry, M., Martin, P., Rojas-Garcia, A. & Moonesinghe, S. R. Seasonality in surgical outcome data: a systematic review and narrative synthesis. Br. J. Anaesth. 128, 321–332 (2022). doi: 10.1016/j.bja.2021.10.043.
3. Summer is trauma season | McLaren Health Care News. Available at: https://www.mclaren.org/main/news/summer-is-trauma-season-4514. (Accessed: 21st May 2024)
4. Piersa, A. P., Tung, A., Dutton, R. P., Shahul, S. & Glick, D. B. December Is Coming: A Time Trend Analysis of Monthly Variation in Adult Elective Anesthesia Caseload across Florida and Texas Locations of a Large Multistate Practice. Anesthesiology 135, 804–812 (2021). doi: 10.1097/ALN.0000000000003959.
5. Lane, C. J. et al. ICU Resource Limitations during Peak Seasonal Influenza: Results of a 2018 National Feasibility Study. Crit. Care Explor. (2022). doi:10.1097/CCE.0000000000000606
6. Sandoval, C. et al. Risk of hospitalization during influenza season among a cohort of patients with congestive heart failure. Epidemiol. Infect. (2007). doi:10.1017/S095026880600714X
7. Shmelev, A., Schwarzova, K. & Cunningham, S. C. Seasonality in General Surgery Hospitalizations and Procedures in the US: Workflow Implications. J. Surg. Res. 288, 51–63 (2023). doi: 10.1016/j.jss.2023.02.025.