Trends in surgery - Evolution or revolution?

Background: In recent years surgical procedures have developed enormously outpacing the rapid growth in medicine. Objectives: The aim of this article is to highlight the trends in surgical treatment over the past decade in comparison with reports in the scientific literature. Method: We reviewed the surgical trends in the Pediatric Surgical Department at the Sheba Medical Center between the years 1995 - 2006. The main parameters implemented in the assessment were: laparoscopic approach vs. traditional open surgery, elective vs. emergency operations and extent of congenital abnormalities treated over the years. Results: This study showed a decline in the number of open surgeries performed as opposed to a statistically significant increase in laparoscopic procedures and a decrease in elective surgery performed in tertiary medical centers, while the number of congenital abnormalities treated remained constant. Conclusion: The literature review revealed that similar changes in surgical management were found in other countries, confirming our study results. These trends, including clinical, professional and fiscal developments, require preparedness on a national level.