A recent study published in JAMA Surgery has highlighted some intriguing findings about how a surgeon’s sex might impact healthcare costs for patients. This study, conducted in Ontario, Canada, analysed over 1.1 million surgeries and found that patients treated by female surgeons tend to have lower healthcare costs than those treated by male surgeons. This cost difference was seen across 30-day, 90-day, and 1-year post-surgery periods, indicating that female surgeons might provide a more cost-effective approach to surgical care.

The Numbers Don’t Lie
Patients operated on by male surgeons had higher total healthcare costs—on average $6,365 more at the 1-year mark compared to those treated by female surgeons. This pattern was held in long-term costs and shorter windows, like 30 days and 90 days post-op. Why? The researchers suggest it might be linked to differences in how male and female surgeons manage surgeries and postoperative care. For example, female surgeons tend to have lower rates of complications, rehospitalisations, and even deaths following surgery. This likely translates into fewer extra medical interventions and hospital stays, thus reducing costs.

Understanding the Data
The study included 25 common elective and emergency surgeries ranging from low to high-risk procedures. It also factored in patient characteristics, surgeon experience, and even anesthesiologist involvement. The researchers found that female surgeons generally take a more patient-centred approach, often following guidelines more closely and possibly contributing to better outcomes and fewer complications. While the exact reasons for the cost differences need further exploration, it’s clear that female surgeons offer significant advantages regarding healthcare costs.

Bigger Implications
The findings of this study go beyond just cost savings. They suggest that efforts to recruit and retain more female surgeons could not only improve patient outcomes but also reduce the financial strain on healthcare systems. If the healthcare system were to take full advantage of this trend, the cost savings could be enormous—up to billions of dollars when applied to large populations.

Why It Matters
This study strongly advocates for creating a more inclusive environment for women in surgery. Not only do female surgeons bring exceptional skill to the operating room, but their approach also seems to align better with cost-effective, value-based care. The findings also challenge some persistent stereotypes about the capabilities of female surgeons, proving that they can be leaders in healthcare innovation and efficiency.

So, next time you’re thinking about surgery, you might want to ask: Is there a female surgeon available? Based on this study, it could make a big difference to your health—and your wallet.