Documenting lancet core surgical indicator on volumes: a scoping review of data collection methods

Objectives Surgical volume serves as a key indicator of healthcare system capacity and performance. The accuracy and reliability of reporting surgical volumes depend on the methodology used to collect and analyse data. In this scoping review, we aim to map the methodologies used to collect data on surgical volume and assess their strengths and limitations. Design A scoping review reported in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses for Scoping Review (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines. Data source Peer-reviewed and grey literature were searched in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, EMBASE, Google Scholar, Google and other relevant grey literature sources. Eligibility criteria for selecting studies We included original studies and grey literature published between January 2014 and April 2026 describing the methodologies used to collect data for estimating surgical volume, irrespective of the healthcare setting or geographical region. Data extraction and synthesis Two reviewers independently screened studies in two stages (title/abstract and full-text), with disagreements resolved by a third reviewer. Data were extracted using a standardised Excel-based form and synthesised using descriptive methods. Result Of 12 743 records identified, 60 original studies and 22 grey literature sources were included. Substantial methodological heterogeneity was observed in the estimation of surgical volume. Paper-based operative logbooks and retrospective hospital records were the predominant data sources, while electronic medical records and administrative databases were more common in high-income settings. Important variations were also identified in the definitions of surgery, coding practices, data validation, missing-data reporting and healthcare sector coverage. Conclusion This review identified important methodological gaps in the estimation of surgical volume. Developing standardised and comprehensive approaches to data collection and reporting will improve the completeness, reliability and comparability of surgical volume estimates for health system planning and monitoring.