Court: Setting Minimum Number of Lung Operations for Hospitals Lawful - Court Upholds Strict Lung Cancer Surgery Rules to Protect Patients
A court has upheld strict rules on the minimum number of lung surgeries hospitals must perform each year for adult lung cancer patients. The Berlin-Brandenburg State Social Court rejected legal challenges against the requirement, which demands at least 75 thoracic operations annually for lung cancer patients. The decision aims to ensure higher treatment standards and reduce risks for patients.
The ruling confirms that hospitals must carry out a minimum of 75 thoracic surgeries per year for adults with lung cancer. This threshold was introduced to guarantee sufficient expertise and routine in handling complex procedures. According to the latest data from March 2026, only 12 hospitals in Germany have met this requirement since January 1, 2025.
The court found the regulation to be scientifically justified and fair. It dismissed claims that the rule unfairly disadvantages smaller hospitals, stating that patient safety must take priority. However, the decision may lead to longer travel times for some patients, with an average additional journey of 31 minutes for elective, well-planned surgeries.
The upheld requirement means fewer hospitals will qualify to perform these surgeries, potentially concentrating care in specialised centres. Patients may face longer trips for treatment, but the rule is designed to lower avoidable risks and improve overall outcomes. The court's decision reinforces the focus on quality over convenience in lung cancer care.
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