LAUSR

Key Points Question What are the contemporary rates of serious surgical errors, and what are best practice changes to prevent further errors? Findings This cross-sectional study identified 142 serious surgical errors from 2007 to 2017 in California hospitals. Subsequent surgery was required in 96 cases (67.6%), although death was rare. Regulators suggested 18 distinct strategies to prevent repeated events. Meaning The findings suggest that surgical error remains a complex, rare issue in California driven by surgical volume; numerous strategies have evolved to prevent future events.