Surgical Burden of Disease in Women.

Globally, an inequitable surgical burden exists. Greater than 90% of people in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) lack access to safe, affordable surgical care. Also, patients undergoing surgery in LMICs suffer much higher rates of perioperative complications and death. In many LMICs, cesarean section is both underused and overused, and frequently performed unsafely. Obstetric fistula and women's cancers contribute to the surgical burden of women in LMICs. Surgical team nontechnical skills (eg, teamwork and communication) and use of tools such as the WHO Surgical Safety Checklist and Enhanced Recovery after Surgery program have the potential to greatly improve surgical outcomes.