Overlapping surgery is a small portion of our total surgical activity but a key way to manage busy operating rooms. During a day, it allows one surgeon to move from one surgery to the next to maximize efficient use of resources. We schedule these surgeries so that while the surgeon is finishing the care of one patient, another patient is being prepared for their procedure. We make sure that the operating surgeon is present before an incision is made and for all critical parts of sugery. These surgeries never overlap—meaning that patients under the care of the same surgeon are not having the critical part of the surgery at the same time. (See our surgery time definitions for critical parts for more information.)
Overlapping surgery is a small percentage of our total surgical activity.
Highly specialized teams and operating rooms are the most needed resources in hospitals. So, we must manage these resources well, or patients have to wait longer to receive critical surgeries. One way of doing this is to stagger—or use overlapping—surgeries in different operating rooms. This reduces the amount of time patients wait for their surgery and the amount of time surgical teams wait between patients.
We have the broadest range of specialists of any medical center in Utah, Idaho, Wyoming, Montana, and Nevada. Many patients travel hundreds of miles to receive care from our teams. By scheduling our patients wisely, we help the greatest number of patients in an efficient way. This is especially helpful for the highly sub-specialized treatments our surgeons offer.
Optimizing surgical resources is essential for emergency situations, such as when multiple trauma patients need the care of surgical sub-specialists. Overlapping surgery allows our surgical teams of physicians and nurses to perform more needed procedures during peak hours when other services, such as pathology, laboratories, and radiology, are fully staffed.
As a teaching hospital, we are engaged in training the next generation of doctors. During a procedure, under direct supervision of the attending surgeon, our fellows and residents may assist in performing parts of some procedures.
Yes. National studies show that there is no difference in complication rates. Overlapping surgery is a process used by the best hospitals in the country, and we feel it is an essential way to best use our surgical resources.
We are committed to creating a safe environment for all patients, so we cover many steps when preparing patients for surgery.