JS

JAMA Surgery

JAMA Surgery is a surgical journal in the JAMA Network that publishes research, opinion, and clinical review and education content, including article types such as Original Investigation, Review, Special Communication, Viewpoint, and Invited Commentary.

Looking to publish in JAMA Surgery? Livewrite integrates seamlessly with Word to help you write, edit, and format faster.

Try Livewrite Now
Subject Surgery
Impact Factor 14.9
Quartile Q1
Open Access Type Hybrid
ISSN 2168-6254
eISSN 2168-6262
Invitation Only No
Cost Range Subscription access is available, and individual article purchase is listed at $45.00. Some articles are labeled open access.

Submission Instructions

JAMA Surgery accepts the following article types. Click on an article type to view submission instructions.

Original Investigation

Cover Letter Cover letter should be included. Cover letter must include complete contact information for the corresponding author and disclose whether related papers from the same study have been published, posted, or submitted.
Abstract A structured abstract is required. Abstract must be structured.
Manuscript Text must not exceed 3000 words. Manuscript must include the study type. Manuscript must include 3 Key Points, and the Key Points section should present Question, Findings, and Meaning in 75 to 100 words.
References References must follow AMA style. References must be numbered in order of appearance, cited in text with superscript Arabic numerals, not alphabetized, and list up to 6 authors or editors before using the first 3 followed by "et al."
Figures & Tables No more than 5 tables and/or figures in total are permitted. Tables must be included at the end of the manuscript file, and figures must not be included in the manuscript text and should be uploaded as separate files. Each table and figure must be numbered, given a descriptive title, and cited in the text.
Reformat to JAMA Surgery using Livewrite Premium

Systematic Review (Without Meta-Analysis)

Cover Letter A cover letter should be included. The cover letter must include complete contact information for the corresponding author.
Abstract A structured abstract is required. The abstract must not exceed 350 words. The abstract must be structured. The abstract must use the headings Importance, Objective, Evidence Review, Findings, and Conclusions and Relevance.
Manuscript The manuscript must not exceed 3000 words of text. The manuscript must use the subtitle "A Systematic Review" and include Introduction, Methods, Results, Discussion, and Conclusions sections. The manuscript must include Key Points of 75-100 words using the headings Question, Findings, and Meaning, include a table rating the quality of the studies or evidence, and report any use of AI tools in the Acknowledgment section or Methods section if part of the formal research design or methods.
References The manuscript must include 50 to 75 references. References must follow AMA style. References must be numbered in order of appearance, cited in the text with superscript Arabic numerals, list up to 6 authors or editors before using the first 3 followed by "et al" for more than 6, and use PubMed journal abbreviations.
Figures & Tables The manuscript may include no more than 5 tables and/or figures in total. Figures must be submitted as separate files and not included in the manuscript text, and tables must be included at the end of the manuscript file. Each table or figure must be numbered in the order cited in the text, have a descriptive title, and be cited in the text.
Reformat to JAMA Surgery using Livewrite Premium

Narrative Review

Cover Letter Cover letter should be included. Cover letter must include complete contact information for the corresponding author.
Abstract A structured abstract is required. Abstract must not exceed 300 words. Abstract must be structured. Abstract headings must be Importance, Observations, and Conclusions and Relevance.
Manuscript Manuscript must be 2000-3500 words. Manuscript must use the subtitle "A Review" and include an Introduction of 150-250 words, an optional Methods section of 150-250 words, a Discussion/Observations section of 1000-1250 words, and Conclusions of 2-3 sentences. Key Points must not be included, and any use of artificial intelligence to create content or assist with writing or editing must be reported in the Acknowledgment section or Methods section.
References Manuscript must include 50-75 references. References must follow AMA style. References must be numbered in the order of appearance, cited with superscript Arabic numerals, list up to 6 authors or editors before using "et al," and use PubMed journal name abbreviations.
Figures & Tables No more than 5 tables and/or figures may be included in total. Tables must be included at the end of the manuscript file, and figures must not be included in the manuscript text and should be submitted as separate files. Each table and figure must be numbered, given a descriptive title, and cited in the text.
Reformat to JAMA Surgery using Livewrite Premium

Clinical Trial

Cover Letter A cover letter should be included. The cover letter must include complete contact information for the corresponding author.
Abstract A structured abstract is required. The abstract must be structured. Trial registration information must be listed at the end of the abstract, including registry name, trial ID, and URL.
Manuscript The manuscript must not exceed 3000 words of text. The manuscript must include 3 Key Points and a copy of the original trial protocol including the complete statistical analysis plan and any amendments. The manuscript must include a Data Sharing Statement.
References The manuscript must include 50-75 references. References must follow AMA style. References must be numbered in the order of appearance, cited with superscript Arabic numerals, and list up to 6 authors or editors before using "et al."
Figures & Tables The manuscript may include no more than a total of 5 tables and/or figures. Figures must not be included in the manuscript text and must be submitted as separate files, while tables must be included at the end of the manuscript file. Each table and figure must be numbered, given a descriptive title, and cited in the text.
Reformat to JAMA Surgery using Livewrite Premium

Meta-Analysis

Cover Letter A cover letter should be included. The cover letter must include complete contact information for the corresponding author and whether the authors have published, posted, or submitted any related papers from the same study.
Abstract A structured abstract is required. The abstract must not exceed 350 words. The abstract must be structured.
Manuscript The manuscript text must not exceed 3000 words. The title must include the phrase "A Meta-analysis" as a subtitle. Key Points are required before the abstract using the headings Question, Findings, and Meaning, and a Data Sharing Statement must be included.
References The manuscript must include 50 to 75 references. References must follow AMA style. References must be numbered in the order cited, use superscript Arabic numerals in the text, list all authors up to 6 and the first 3 followed by "et al" if more than 6, and use PubMed journal abbreviations with issue numbers in parentheses after the volume.
Figures & Tables The manuscript may include no more than 5 tables and/or figures in total. Figures must be submitted as separate files and not included in the manuscript text, while tables must be included at the end of the manuscript file. Each table and figure must be numbered, given a descriptive title, and cited in the text, and data must not be duplicated between tables and figures.
Reformat to JAMA Surgery using Livewrite Premium

Cohort Study

Cover Letter A cover letter should be included. The cover letter must include complete contact information for the corresponding author and disclose whether related papers from the same study have been published, posted, or submitted.
Abstract A structured abstract is required. The abstract must be structured.
Manuscript The manuscript must not exceed 3000 words of text. The manuscript must include Key Points and a Data Sharing Statement.
References The manuscript must include 50 to 75 references. References must follow AMA style. References must be numbered in order of appearance, cited with superscript Arabic numerals, list up to 6 authors or editors before using "et al.," and use PubMed journal abbreviations with issue numbers in journal citations.
Figures & Tables The manuscript may include no more than 5 tables and/or figures in total. Tables must be included at the end of the manuscript file, and figures must not be embedded in the manuscript text and should be submitted as separate files for submission. Each table and figure must be numbered, titled, and cited in the text, and data must not be duplicated between tables and figures.
Reformat to JAMA Surgery using Livewrite Premium

Case-Control Study

Cover Letter A cover letter should be included. The cover letter must include complete contact information for the corresponding author and disclose whether related papers from the same study have been published, posted, or submitted.
Abstract A structured abstract is required. The abstract must be structured.
Manuscript The manuscript text must not exceed 3000 words. The manuscript must include Key Points and a Data Sharing Statement, and AI writing or editing assistance must be disclosed in the Acknowledgment section or Methods section if used as part of the formal research design or methods.
References The manuscript must include 50 to 75 references. References must follow AMA style. References must be numbered in order of appearance, cited with superscript Arabic numerals, not alphabetized, list up to 6 authors or editors before using "et al.," and use PubMed journal abbreviations with journal issue numbers in parentheses after the volume.
Figures & Tables No more than 5 tables and/or figures in total may be included. Tables must be included at the end of the manuscript file, and figures must not be embedded in the manuscript text and should be submitted as separate files. Each table and figure must be numbered, cited in the text, and accompanied by a descriptive title, and data must not be duplicated between tables and figures.
Reformat to JAMA Surgery using Livewrite Premium

Cross-Sectional Study

Cover Letter Cover letter should be included. Cover letter must include complete contact information for the corresponding author and disclose whether related papers from the same study have been published, posted, or submitted.
Abstract Structured abstract is required. Abstract must be structured.
Manuscript Manuscript text must not exceed 3000 words. Manuscript must include Key Points and a Data Sharing Statement.
References Manuscript must include 50 to 75 references. References must follow AMA style. References must be numbered in order of appearance, cited with superscript Arabic numerals, use PubMed journal abbreviations, and list up to 6 authors or editors before using the first 3 followed by et al.
Figures & Tables Manuscript may include no more than 5 tables and/or figures in total. Figures must be submitted as separate files and not included in the manuscript text, while tables must be included at the end of the manuscript file. Each table and figure must be numbered, titled, and cited in the text, and data must not be duplicated between tables and figures.
Reformat to JAMA Surgery using Livewrite Premium

Randomized Clinical Trial

Cover Letter Cover letter should be included with the submission. Cover letter must include complete contact information for the corresponding author.
Abstract A structured abstract is required. The abstract must be structured. Trial registration information, including registry name, trial ID, and URL, must appear at the end of the abstract.
Manuscript Manuscript must not exceed 3000 words. Manuscript must use the subtitle "A Randomized Clinical Trial." Manuscript must include 3 Key Points, trial registration and ID, a Data Sharing Statement, and submission of the original trial protocol with complete statistical analysis plan and any amendments as supplemental files.
References Manuscript must include 50 to 75 references. References must follow AMA style. References must be numbered in order of appearance, cited with superscript Arabic numerals, and list up to 6 authors or editors before using "et al."
Figures & Tables No more than a combined total of 5 tables and figures is permitted. Figures must not be included in the manuscript text and tables must be included at the end of the manuscript file. Each table and figure must be numbered, titled, and cited in the text.
Reformat to JAMA Surgery using Livewrite Premium

Research Letter

Cover Letter Cover letter should be included. Cover letter must include complete contact information for the corresponding author and disclose whether related papers from the same study have been published, posted, or submitted.
Abstract Abstract must not be included.
Manuscript Research Letter text must not exceed 800 words. Research Letter should generally be divided into Introduction, Methods, Results, and Discussion sections. Research Letter must not include Key Points, and supplementary material is allowed only for brief additional and absolutely necessary methods and not for additional results or discussion.
References Research Letter must not exceed 10 references. References must follow AMA style. References must be numbered in order of appearance, cited with superscript Arabic numerals, not alphabetized, and list up to 6 authors or editors before using the first 3 followed by "et al.".
Figures & Tables Research Letter may include up to 2 small tables and/or figures. Figures must not be included in the manuscript text and must be submitted as separate files, while tables must be included at the end of the manuscript file. Each table and figure must be numbered, titled, cited in the text, and data must not be duplicated between figures and tables.
Reformat to JAMA Surgery using Livewrite Premium

Letter To The Editor

Cover Letter Cover letter should be included. Cover letter must include complete contact information for the corresponding author and disclose whether related papers from the same study have been published, posted, or submitted.
Abstract Abstract requirements are not specified.
Manuscript Letter to the Editor text must not exceed 400 words. Letter must include the full name, academic degrees, and a single institutional affiliation for each author and the email address for the corresponding author.
References Letter to the Editor must not exceed 5 references. References must follow AMA style. References must be numbered in order of appearance, cited with superscript Arabic numerals, use PubMed journal abbreviations, and list up to 6 authors or the first 3 followed by "et al." if more than 6.
Figures & Tables Figures must be submitted as separate files and not included in the manuscript text.
Reformat to JAMA Surgery using Livewrite Premium

Case Series

Cover Letter A cover letter should be included. The cover letter must include complete contact information for the corresponding author and disclose whether related papers from the same study have been published, posted, or submitted.
Abstract A structured abstract is required. The abstract must be structured.
Manuscript The manuscript must not exceed 3000 words of text. The manuscript must include a title page, Key Points, a structured abstract, text, and references. The manuscript must include Key Points and a Data Sharing Statement, and any use of artificial intelligence to create or assist with writing or editing must be reported in the Acknowledgment or Methods section.
References The manuscript must include 50 to 75 references. References must follow AMA style. References must be numbered in order of appearance, cited with superscript Arabic numerals, use PubMed journal abbreviations, and list up to 6 authors or editors before using the first 3 followed by “et al.”
Figures & Tables The manuscript may include no more than 5 tables and/or figures in total. Figures must be submitted as separate files rather than included in the manuscript text, while tables must be included at the end of the manuscript file. Each table and figure must be numbered, given a descriptive title, and cited in the text.
Reformat to JAMA Surgery using Livewrite Premium

Comparative Effectiveness Research

Cover Letter Cover letter should be included with the submission. Cover letter must include complete contact information for the corresponding author and disclose whether related papers from the same study have been published, posted, or submitted.
Abstract A structured abstract is required. Abstract must be structured.
Manuscript Manuscript text must not exceed 3000 words. Manuscript must include a title page, Key Points, abstract, text, references, and, as appropriate, figure legends and tables. Manuscript must include Key Points in Question, Findings, and Meaning format and a Data Sharing Statement.
References Manuscript must include 50 to 75 references. References must follow AMA style. References must be numbered in order of appearance, cited as superscript Arabic numerals, not alphabetized, list up to 6 authors or editors before using "et al.," and use PubMed journal abbreviations with issue numbers included.
Figures & Tables Manuscript may include no more than 5 tables and/or figures in total. Figures must be submitted as separate files and not included in the manuscript text, while tables must be included at the end of the manuscript file. Each table and figure must be numbered, titled, cited in the text, and not duplicate data presented elsewhere.
Reformat to JAMA Surgery using Livewrite Premium

Diagnostic/Prognostic Study

Cover Letter Cover letter should be included. Cover letter must include complete contact information for the corresponding author.
Abstract A structured abstract is required. Abstract must be structured.
Manuscript Manuscript text must not exceed 3000 words. Manuscript must include a title page, abstract, text, references, and as appropriate figure legends and tables. Manuscript must include Key Points before the abstract in the format of Question, Findings, and Meaning and must include a Data Sharing Statement.
References Manuscript must include 50 to 75 references. References must follow AMA style. References must be numbered in order of appearance, cited with superscript Arabic numerals, use PubMed journal abbreviations, and list up to 6 authors or editors before using "et al.".
Figures & Tables Manuscript may include no more than a total of 5 tables and/or figures. Figures must be submitted as separate files and not included in the manuscript text, while tables must be included at the end of the manuscript file. Each table and figure must be numbered, given a descriptive title, and cited in the text.
Reformat to JAMA Surgery using Livewrite Premium

Recent Publications

Surgeon Social Jet Lag and Patient Risk of Major Adverse Events

Léa Pascal, Stéphanie Polazzi, Sarah C. Skinner, Jean-Christophe Lifante, Stéphanie Mazza, Antoine Duclos, Jake Awtry, Lionel Badet, David W Bates, Lucie Bonin-Crepet, Olivier Cannarella, Damien Carnicelli, Martin Carrerre, Keyne Charlot, Phillipe Chaudier, Gautier Chene, Francois Chollet, Virginie Cloud, Quentin Cordier, Ethan Cormont, Marion Cortet, Eddy Cotte, Sébastien Crouzet, Filippo Dagnino, Kim I de la Cruz, Hassan Demian, Tanujit Dey, Xavier Dutheil, Fadi Farhat, Jean-Baptiste Fassier, Yves François, Witold Gertych, Francois Golfier, Romain Gorioux, Claire-Angéline Goutard, Stanislas Gunst, Muriel Hermine, Nathalie Hoen, Vahan Képénékian, Gery Lamblin, Mickaël Lesurtel, Lucie Louboutin, Sébastien Lustig, Jean-Yves Mabrut, Laure Maillard, Jean-Michel Maury, Kayvan Mohkam, Nicolas Morel-Journel, Erdogan Nohuz, Andréa Nunes, Jean-Francois Obadia, Arnaud Pasquer, Guillaume Passot, Elise Pelascini, Charles-André Philip, Vincent Pibarot, Gilles Poncet, Matteo Pozzi, Hugo Prieur, Maud Robert, Frédéric Rongieras, Alain Ruffion, Sophie Schlatter, Sofia Sebaoui, Elvire Servien, Stefanie Soelling, Daniel Stelzl, Quoc-Dien Trinh, Francois Tronc, Delphine Vaudoyer, Laurent Villeneuve, Anthony Viste, Marco Vola, Sophie Warembourg, Joel S Weissman

10.1001/jamasurg.2026.1796
View Publication

Long-Term Outcomes After Cervical Cold Knife Conization or Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure

Huan Yi, Yishan Liu, Xuan Yin, Jimiao Huang, Xiaohong Chen, Hui Zheng, Shihuang Liu, Fulian Chen, Qiuhua Hong, Jan Sundquist, Kristina Sundquist, Jiancui Chen, Xiangqin Zheng, Jianguang Ji

10.1001/jamasurg.2026.1782
View Publication

Duke Pancreatic Monoclonal Antigen Type 2 for Monitoring Carbohydrate Antigen 19-9 Nonexpressor Pancreatic Cancer

Kojiro Omiya, Atsushi Oba, Kimitaka Tanaka, Naoki Miyazaki, Shimpei Otsuka, Katsuhisa Ohgi, Teiichi Sugiura, Ryuta Shintakuya, Kenjiro Okada, Kenichiro Uemura, So Yamaki, Daisuke Hashimoto, Koetsu Inoue, Masamichi Mizuma, Michiaki Unno, Nobuhiko Nakagawa, Haruyoshi Tanaka, Hideki Takami, Shintaro Takeuchi, Akira Ito, Keiichi Akahoshi, Daisuke Ban, Shuichiro Sugawara, Ryosuke Takahashi, Fuyuhiko Motoi, Yosuke Inoue, Yu Takahashi, Satoshi Hirano, Sohei Satoi

10.1001/jamasurg.2026.1810
View Publication

Debate Over Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure vs Cold Knife Conization

Jessica B. DiSilvestro, Jason D. Wright

10.1001/jamasurg.2026.1789
View Publication

Sleep, Burnout, and Surgery—Are Medical Errors an Adverse Effect?

Jamie J. Coleman, Mitchell J. Cohen

10.1001/jamasurg.2026.1807
View Publication

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to publish?

Median time to first decision is 10 days without external peer review and 40 days with review. All articles are published online first.

Reformat to JAMA Surgery using Livewrite Premium

Is a cover letter required?

A cover letter is required and must include complete contact information for the corresponding author and disclosure of whether related papers from the same study have been published, posted, or submitted.

Reformat to JAMA Surgery using Livewrite Premium

What are the publication costs?

Subscription access is available, and individual article purchase is listed at $45.00. Some articles are labeled open access.

Reformat to JAMA Surgery using Livewrite Premium

Research Topics

Cardiac, Anesthesia and Surgical Outcomes Diversity and Career in Medicine Surgical Simulation and Training Trauma and Emergency Care Studies Healthcare Policy and Management Pancreatic and Hepatic Oncology Research Colorectal Cancer Surgical Treatments Bariatric Surgery and Outcomes Hospital Admissions and Outcomes Healthcare cost, quality, practices Enhanced Recovery After Surgery Gastric Cancer Management and Outcomes Appendicitis Diagnosis and Management Breast Cancer Treatment Studies Hernia repair and management Neurosurgical Procedures and Complications Trauma, Hemostasis, Coagulopathy, Resuscitation Organ Transplantation Techniques and Outcomes Gallbladder and Bile Duct Disorders Health Systems, Economic Evaluations, Quality of Life Hepatocellular Carcinoma Treatment and Prognosis Intraperitoneal and Appendiceal Malignancies Esophageal Cancer Research and Treatment Surgical site infection prevention Diverticular Disease and Complications

Related Journals

AO
Annals of Cardiothoracic Surgery AME PUBLISHING COMPANY
TS
Trauma Surgery & Acute Care Open BMJ
JO
JAMA Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery American Medical Association
JO
Journal of Plastic Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery Elsevier BV
KS
Knee Surgery Sports Traumatology Arthroscopy Springer Science+Business Media
JO
Journal of the American College of Surgeons LIPPINCOTT WILLIAMS & WILKINS