Editorial

15:07 JST, June 19, 2025

Surgical operations directly affect the lives of patients. The weight of the responsibility and harsh working conditions seem to be driving surgeons away from their profession. There is an urgent need to resolve the shortage of those who take up this occupation.

A survey conducted by the Japan Surgical Society has highlighted the reality that although the overall number of doctors is increasing, there is a shortage of surgeons who often engage in work outside of ordinary hours, including emergency operations. More than half of Japan’s major hospitals responded that they lack enough surgeons.

The most serious shortage is in gastroenterological surgeons, who specialize in operations on the stomach, intestines and other organs. The number of gastroenterological surgeons has decreased by 10% over the past 10 years or so. It is estimated that the number will decrease........

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