Background: A core principle in surgery is that high surgical volumes are conducive toward better outcomes. Ultra-high volume centers (UHVCs) have now emerged in thoracic surgery in China that now perform a volume of thoracic operations far greater than even traditional international centers of excellence.
Methods: In 2016, two hospitals in Shanghai performed over 10,000 major pulmonary, esophageal and mediastinal resections each. A qualitative analysis of the lessons learned in achieving such large operation volumes was undertaken.
Results: The advent of these UHVCs gives important insights for not only thoracic surgeons, but for surgical oncologists and surgeons globally. First, these ultra-high volumes were achieved to a large degree by cancer screening-but the success of the screening programs relies on reaching wider patient groups and allowing for affordable 'self-screening.' Second, the ultra-high clinical volumes at UHVCs offer unique opportunities for surgical training and research, potentially changing paradigms for academic surgery. Third, these ultra-high volumes may place new stresses on existing healthcare resources and prompt novel management strategies in response.
Conclusions: The UHVCs represent a revolutionary development in modern surgery, and it behooves surgeons to both accept the challenges and harness the advantages they may bring.