News | BMJ Open: medical tourism complications place hidden pressure on UK public healthcare
A systematic rapid review in BMJ Open found that growing numbers of UK residents undergo nonurgent elective procedures such as cosmetic and weight-loss surgery abroad, then return with serious complications, creating persistent unresolved pressure on the NHS.
The study examined outbound medical tourism. Cheaper flights and online marketing have driven its growth for decades. Overseas surgery may cost less or involve shorter waits, but the NHS passively assumes postoperative risks.
Bariatric and metabolic procedures and cosmetic surgery were most common, with few eye procedures. Patients were admitted after returning with wound infections, poor healing, sepsis, or organ failure. Missing surgical details complicated care.
The rapid review combined UK studies published from 2012 to 2024 with gray literature and earlier research. Evidence included case reports, case series, surveys, and conference abstracts on complications, NHS resource use, and costs.
Thirty-seven studies (38 reports) covered 655 patients from 2007 to 2025. About 90% were women, with a mean age of 38. Türkiye accounted for over 60% of reported cases. Sleeve gastrectomy was the most common bariatric procedure; abdominoplasty and breast surgery dominated cosmetic cases.
At least 53% had serious complications requiring repeat surgery, prolonged admission, or intensive care. No deaths were reported, but average stays were 17 days after bariatric complications and 6 days after cosmetic complications. Partial case data may underestimate the burden.
Adjusted to 2024 prices, direct NHS costs ranged from £1,058 to £19,549 per patient, mainly from longer admissions and surgery. Incomplete reporting likely underestimated actual spending, and no included study found an economic or system benefit for the NHS.
Evidence shows meaningful pressure on secondary and tertiary NHS services, but retrospective reports, small samples, high bias risk, and a focus on emergency admissions prevent accurate measurement.
National costs and long-term effects cannot yet be estimated reliably. Major gaps remain around primary care, long-term outcomes, and population size. The authors called for clearer postoperative responsibilities, better public awareness of risks, and improved data collection.
News | BMJ Open: medical tourism complications place hidden pressure on UK public healthcare
News | BMJ Open: medical tourism complications place hidden pressure on UK public healthcare
A systematic rapid review in BMJ Open found that growing numbers of UK residents undergo nonurgent elective procedures such as cosmetic and weight-loss surgery abroad, then return with serious complications, creating persistent unresolved pressure on the NHS.
The study examined outbound medical tourism. Cheaper flights and online marketing have driven its growth for decades. Overseas surgery may cost less or involve shorter waits, but the NHS passively assumes postoperative risks.
Bariatric and metabolic procedures and cosmetic surgery were most common, with few eye procedures. Patients were admitted after returning with wound infections, poor healing, sepsis, or organ failure. Missing surgical details complicated care.
The rapid review combined UK studies published from 2012 to 2024 with gray literature and earlier research. Evidence included case reports, case series, surveys, and conference abstracts on complications, NHS resource use, and costs.
Thirty-seven studies (38 reports) covered 655 patients from 2007 to 2025. About 90% were women, with a mean age of 38. Türkiye accounted for over 60% of reported cases. Sleeve gastrectomy was the most common bariatric procedure; abdominoplasty and breast surgery dominated cosmetic cases.
At least 53% had serious complications requiring repeat surgery, prolonged admission, or intensive care. No deaths were reported, but average stays were 17 days after bariatric complications and 6 days after cosmetic complications. Partial case data may underestimate the burden.
Adjusted to 2024 prices, direct NHS costs ranged from £1,058 to £19,549 per patient, mainly from longer admissions and surgery. Incomplete reporting likely underestimated actual spending, and no included study found an economic or system benefit for the NHS.
Evidence shows meaningful pressure on secondary and tertiary NHS services, but retrospective reports, small samples, high bias risk, and a focus on emergency admissions prevent accurate measurement.
National costs and long-term effects cannot yet be estimated reliably. Major gaps remain around primary care, long-term outcomes, and population size. The authors called for clearer postoperative responsibilities, better public awareness of risks, and improved data collection.
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Collected online