Saskatchewan’s surgical teams have achieved another record-breaking year for surgical volumes in 2023-2024.

More than 95,700 surgeries were performed between April 1, 2023, and March 31, 2024, the highest annual surgical volume recorded.

Almost 6,000 more surgeries were performed in 2023-24 than the previous record volume recorded in 2022-23.

Hip and knee replacement procedures had a specific focus, as annual volumes for hip and knee replacement procedures increased to nearly 7,100 in 2023-24 of almost 6,300 the previous year.

The waitlist for surgeries has also progressed, as about 4,600 or 14 per cent fewer patients are waiting for surgery than on March 31, 2023.

“The overall commitment by all members of the surgical teams has significantly reduced surgical wait times and increased volumes,” Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) and University of Saskatchewan Provincial Head of Surgery Dr. Michael Kelly said. “Their dedication is what has made reaching this milestone possible. As a surgical program, we want to continue to empower the people of Saskatchewan to be more engaged in their own unique surgical journey.”

The government said that strategies to increase surgical capacity include developing focused improvements in orthopedics, investing in human health resources, and expanding the involvement of private sector partners in surgical service delivery.