Annual Report of the 2022 National Clinical Database: Decade‐Long Trends and Current Status of Gastroenterological Surgery in Japan

Aim: The National Clinical Database (NCD) of Japan is the largest nationwide registry, covering over 95% of surgeries in the country. This 2022 annual report summarizes the short-term outcomes of gastroenterological surgeries and discusses trends and insights over the past decade. Methods: We analyzed the NCD data for gastroenterological surgeries performed between 2013 and 2022. The number of surgeries, patient demographics, surgical approaches, postoperative outcomes, and the involvement of board-certified surgeons and anesthesiologists were examined. Results: A total of 591 221 surgeries were recorded in 2022. Compared to 2021, the overall surgical volume remained stable, with a continued increase in minimally invasive procedures. Patient aging continued across all organ categories, with a rise in the proportion of patients aged ≥ 80 years. Board-certified surgeon participation remained high in complex procedures, while emergency surgeries were associated with higher morbidity and mortality. Operative mortality continued to decrease, particularly in pancreatic and hepatic surgeries. Conclusion: The 2022 NCD data provide a comprehensive overview of the current status and evolving trends in gastroenterological surgery in Japan. Continued efforts toward data-driven quality improvement and surgical education remain essential.