Overview
- The BMJ Open rapid review synthesised 37 studies covering 655 NHS-treated patients with complications after elective surgery abroad between 2011 and 2024.
- Reported NHS costs ranged from £1,058 to £19,549 per patient, with hospital stays in some cases extending to 45–49 days and average bariatric stays around 17 days.
- Most cases involved women (about 90%) with an average age of 38, and Turkey was the most frequently cited destination, accounting for 61% of cases.
- Complications included infected wounds, sepsis and organ failure, with at least half of patients in studies reporting outcomes experiencing moderate to severe issues.
- The Royal College of Surgeons called for reliable national data, and the Department of Health and Social Care said it is stepping up awareness efforts and engagement with overseas providers.