When it comes to complex medical procedures, experience can be the difference between life and death. We often hear phrases like “practice makes perfect” and “learn by doing,” and nowhere is that more true than in surgery. For patients facing high-risk operations (such as those involving the heart, lungs, pancreas, or major arteries), where the procedure takes place—and who performs it—can significantly affect the outcome.
Unfortunately, many patients don’t realize that not all hospitals are equipped to handle these surgeries with the same level of skill or frequency. And that lack of volume can lead to devastating results.
Why Experience Matters in High-Risk Surgeries
High-risk surgeries require more than just technical knowledge—they demand refined skills, teamwork, and preparation that only come from frequent practice. Surgeons, nurses, and support staff working in high-volume hospitals develop a rhythm and familiarity with the complications, decisions, and emergencies these procedures often involve.
Consider the following procedures commonly labeled as high-risk:
- Lung, esophageal, pancreatic, and rectal cancer surgeries
- Carotid endarterectomy (to prevent stroke)
- Abdominal aortic aneurysm repair
- Mitral valve repair (a heart procedure)
- Bariatric surgery for weight loss
These operations involve serious risks and complications. Patients undergoing these surgeries at hospitals or by surgeons who rarely perform them may be exposed to higher rates of medical errors, post-operative complications, and even death.
The Data Is Clear: Volume Equals Better Outcomes
A 2024 analysis by the American Hospital Association found that hospital performance on key patient safety measures has surpassed pre-pandemic levels. Between April 2023 and March 2024, hospitals achieved a 22% reduction in patient mortality risk, saving an estimated 200,000 lives compared to 2019 benchmarks. These findings highlight the importance of hospital systems with strong, consistent safety protocols, especially for patients undergoing high-risk surgeries.
It’s common sense: medical teams that regularly handle the same high-stakes surgeries have the tools, experience, and systems in place to reduce complications. Low-volume providers often lack the expertise needed to respond to unexpected issues during complex procedures.
How Pennsylvania Hospitals Measure Up
Each year, the Leapfrog Group—a nonprofit organization focused on patient safety—surveys hospitals across the country, including those in Pennsylvania, to evaluate how often they perform certain high-risk surgeries and whether they enforce volume standards.
In Pennsylvania, Penn State Health stands out for its commitment to patient safety. In the Spring 2025 Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grades, Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hampden Medical Center, and Lancaster Medical Center each earned an “A” rating, with Lancaster receiving its first-ever safety grade. Holy Spirit Medical Center and St. Joseph Medical Center followed closely with “B” grades.
Urban hospitals tend to perform better, both in maintaining sufficient volumes and ensuring procedures are medically necessary. Rural hospitals often lack the patient numbers or resources to meet the same standards, leading to increased risk for local residents.
A Nationwide Challenge: Not Just PA
The latest data from the Leapfrog Group’s Spring 2025 Hospital Safety Grades reveals an encouraging trend: some hospitals are making significant strides in reducing preventable harm. Yet, the broader picture shows that serious safety issues remain widespread across the country.
While 346 hospitals nationwide earned “Straight A” status for consistently high performance over five or more grading periods, this represents only 12% of U.S. hospitals. Even more concerning, several states including Iowa, North Dakota, Vermont, and Wyoming had no hospitals earn an “A” rating this cycle.
These disparities highlight the uneven quality of care patients may encounter depending on where they live. While some hospitals demonstrate long-standing commitments to safety, many still fall short of essential standards, particularly when it comes to high-risk procedures.
When Low Volume Leads to Injury or Death
Hospitals and doctors have a duty to act in their patients’ best interests. That includes recognizing when they lack the experience to safely perform a high-risk procedure.
If you or a loved one suffered a serious injury—or if you lost someone following a complex surgery—you may have legal options. Errors during surgery, failure to refer patients to qualified providers, or performing a medically unnecessary operation can all be grounds for a medical malpractice claim.
At our firm, we’ve seen firsthand the damage caused when hospitals cut corners or fail to uphold the standard of care. Our Lancaster medical malpractice lawyers are ready to investigate what went wrong and fight for the compensation you deserve.
What Patients Can Do to Stay Safe
Patients can protect themselves by asking questions and doing a little research before undergoing surgery. Here’s how:
- Ask your surgeon and hospital how many of these procedures they perform each year.
- Check the Leapfrog Hospital Survey or other public safety databases to compare volume and safety data.
- Seek a second opinion, especially for cancer or heart-related surgeries.
You have the right to know your provider’s experience level. If your procedure is considered high risk, don’t hesitate to request treatment at a larger or more experienced hospital—even if it’s farther from home.
How can I find out how many procedures my hospital performs?
You can ask your hospital directly or visit public reporting websites like the Leapfrog Hospital Survey, which shows how hospitals perform in specific categories.
Can I sue a hospital for performing a surgery they weren’t qualified to do?
Yes. If a hospital or surgeon failed to meet an acceptable standard of care and that led to harm, you may have a valid medical malpractice claim.
Talk to a Pennsylvania Medical Malpractice Lawyer Today
If you believe a hospital’s lack of experience contributed to a bad surgical outcome, we’re here to help. Our legal team has deep experience with surgical error cases, hospital negligence, and wrongful death lawsuits across Pennsylvania.
Let us investigate your case and explain your legal options. Contact our office today or call (717) 393-9596 for a free consultation with a trusted Pennsylvania personal injury lawyer.
