Cardiac surgery survival rates ‘better in UK than in Europe’

Death rates for NHS cardiac surgery are 25 percent lower than the European average, according to recently-released figures.

The first ever comparative study of cardiac operations across the continent which was released yesterday (November 25th 2010) highlighted that England and Wales have mortality rates of 1.8 percent and 1.1 percent respectively, compared to a 2.4 percent average across Europe.

It also revealed that the average hospital stay following cardiac operations is less than nine days in England and Wales, compared to a Europe-wide average of ten days.

These figures come despite the fact that NHS surgeons are operating on some of the most elderly patients in Europe and that England and Wales are the most comprehensive contributors of data.

Commenting on the findings, John Black, president of the Royal College of Surgeons, said: "This excellent data is the culmination of years of hard work carried out by NHS cardiac units.

"As a result of the profession's dedication we are now leaders in Europe in the measurement of quality and outcomes of cardiac surgery, an achievement I am sure all other surgical specialties will wish to emulate."

Earlier this month, the first ever audit of UK laparoscopic operating theatres, conducted by the Association of Laparoscopic Surgeons of Great Britain & Ireland, highlighted that just one in ten hospitals are operating with the highest standard of equipment.