A Pilot Study Examining Sleep Deprivation Among Liver Transplant Surgeons. Are Patient Outcomes at Risk?

ABSTRACT:

Background

Transplant surgery is a physically demanding field with an irregular call schedule. Sleep deprivation and stress have been linked to decreased cognitive abilities; however, their effects on transplant recipient outcomes remain unknown. The goal of this pilot study was to compare liver transplant (LT) recipient outcomes by surgeon sleep deprivation status and stress level.

Methods

Attending LT surgeons at a high-volume transplant center wore a biophysical monitor from 12/2022 to 04/2023. Surgeon sleep deprivation and stress level were prospectively measured. All LTs were reviewed up to 90 days posttransplant.

Results

Six surgeons (66.7% male, 50% >5 years of practice) wore a biophysical monitor during 36 LTs. The primary surgeon experienced sleep deprivation

SUBMITTER: Pratt CG 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12539076 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature