About overlapping surgery
What is overlapping surgery?
Overlapping surgery, sometimes called concurrent surgery, involves the planning of various
surgeries for a team of surgeons throughout the day. This method is widely used at academic
medical centers and community hospitals. Surgical teams prepare one patient for surgery in one
room while at the same time other team members finish another patient’s surgery. The attending
(senior) surgeon is present during the key and critical portions of each surgery and oversees all
aspects of the team caring for the patient.
Why is overlapping surgery used?
Overlapping surgery is used for many reasons, including:

Emergencies – Overlapping surgery is needed in emergency situations when there are
many people hurt who need surgery right away. This method makes sure that a large
number of people can be treated by our most skilled surgeons and their teams.

Less time waiting – Overlapping surgeries helps decrease the time patients may need to
wait to have their non-emergency surgery. It also reduces the time surgical teams must
wait between cases.

Availability of important services – Overlapping surgery helps more surgeries to be
scheduled during the daytime hours when important areas such as pathology, laboratories
and radiology are fully staffed.

Best use of surgical teams and operating rooms –Operating rooms are one of the most
in-demand resources in hospitals. Managing the space effectively helps the teams care for
patients more efficiently.

Education of newer surgeons –The attending surgeon provides training and experience
so that teams of less experienced surgeons can gain the knowledge, experience and skills
needed to become the next generation of safe and qualified surgeons.
Is overlapping surgery safe?
Yes. Both national studies and MGH data found no difference in surgery complications for
surgery with overlapping versus surgery with non-overlapping. There are very strict rules that
apply; during an overlapping surgery, the attending surgeon must complete the key portion of
one surgery before a second surgery is started.
How often is overlapping surgery used at MGH?
Only a small number of overlapping surgeries are done. In 2014, only 15 of every 100 surgeries
were overlapping surgeries.
Does MGH have a policy for overlapping surgeries?
Yes. The policy guiding overlapping surgery at MGH is considered one of the strongest policies
in the country.
What if I have questions about overlapping surgeries?
Your surgeon will be able to answer your questions about overlapping surgery.
Where can I get more information on overlapping surgery?
To learn more about overlapping surgery visit http://www.massgeneral.org/overlapping-surgery/.