The state of female hepato-pancreato-biliary (HPB) surgeons in China: see us in operation theater with great prospects

Objective This study aims to investigate the proportion and distribution of female HPB surgeons in China, describe their current status, and analyze the possible barriers and challenges in their careers. Method Tertiary hospitals with the division of HPB in mainland China in 2021 were enrolled and surgeon demographic information was collected through the review of official websites and/or telephone interviews. Results The majority of female HPB surgeons (72.92%) were located in the first or second-tier cities in mainland China, with an increasing number of new female HPB surgeons entering the field annually, particularly after 2005 (from 27 to 52 per 5 years). Despite no significant difference in academic backgrounds, female HPB surgeons initiated their careers at an earlier age and took a longer time to obtain chief titles (P < 0.05). Interestingly, female HPB surgeons performed laparoscopic complex HPB cases at a similar rate (95.42%) to their male counterparts and were more likely to specialize in endoscopic surgery (P = 0.021), with a similar ratio of obtaining administrative positions. Conclusion Minimally invasive surgery may provide females with unprecedented opportunities in the HPB surgery field. However, despite the increasing numbers of female HPB surgeons, the proportion remains low in China.