Stanford Hospital ranks No. 1 in general surgery

For the fifth consecutive quarter, Stanford Hospital & Clinics has had the highest patient survival rate among the nation's academic medical centers for procedures in general surgery. Since July 2007, rankings by the University HealthSystem Consortium have placed Stanford No. 1 among 104 comparable hospitals.

'These rankings are evidence that our physicians, nurses and support staff are firmly focused on how to give patients the best possible result when they are here for surgery,' said Thomas Krummel, MD, chair of surgery. 'We are mindful that every part of the process has value and must be executed with consistent high quality and committed intent. And, we are always looking for ways to improve our service to patients.'

The hospital's overall surgical performance also won a high ranking from UHC. From October 2007 to September 2008, UHC ranked it No. 10 nationally for best aggregate post-surgical survival. The score includes cardiothoracic, vascular, neurosurgery and orthopedics specialities but excludes trauma and burns.

Each quarter, the UHC compares data from its member hospitals, adjusted for the severity and complexity of a patient's medical history. UHC's member hospitals represent about 90 percent of the nation's nonprofit academic medical centers. UHC defines 'general surgery' by specific procedures drawn from several types of surgery, but primarily colorectal and bariatric.