The Workforce on Evidence Based Surgery has conducted thorough research of each guideline topic through an exhaustive review of clinical information.

The conclusions and recommendations are based on an exhaustive review of scientific evidence published in the medical literature

STS Practice Guidelines are intended to assist physicians and other health care providers in clinical decision-making by describing a range of generally acceptable approaches for the diagnosis, management, or prevention of specific diseases or conditions. These guidelines should not be considered inclusive of all proper methods of care or exclusive of other methods of care reasonably directed at obtaining the same results. Moreover, these guidelines are subject to change over time, without notice. The ultimate judgment regarding the care of a particular patient must be made by the physician in light of the individual circumstances presented by the patient.