Overview
Submission Instructions
Recent Publications
Frequently Asked Questions
Research Topics
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JO
Journal of the American College of Surgeons is the official scientific journal of the American College of Surgeons. It is a monthly peer-reviewed journal publishing original contributions on all aspects of surgery, including original clinical studies, review articles, and experimental investigations with clear clinical relevance.
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Subject
Surgery
Impact Factor
3.4
Quartile
Q1
Open Access Type
Hybrid
ISSN
1072-7515
eISSN
1879-1190
Invitation Only
No
Cost Range
Hybrid open access publication fees vary by journal and license, with examples shown from $1,590 to $5,096 excluding taxes.
Submission Instructions
Journal Of The American College Of Surgeons accepts the following article types. Click on an article type to view submission instructions.
Original Scientific Articles
Cover Letter
A cover letter is required. Cover letter must briefly state the main research question, principal findings, direct significance to surgical practice, patient care, or surgical science, and why the manuscript is a strong fit for JACS in terms of novelty, impact, and mission alignment.
Abstract
A structured abstract is required. Abstract must be structured. Structured abstract must use the headings Background, Study Design, Results, and Conclusions.
Manuscript
Manuscript must not exceed 4,000 words. Manuscript must include a clearly stated research question or hypothesis and use the sections Introduction, Methods, Results, Discussion, and Conclusions. Manuscript must include a 1 to 3 sentence précis of 50 words or fewer, up to 6 keywords after the structured abstract, and a dedicated AI disclosure statement in the Methods or Acknowledgements section if AI tools were used.
References
References must use AMA style. References must be cited in numerical order, and references with 5 or more authors must list the first 3 authors followed by et al.
Figures & Tables
A maximum of 5 tables and figures combined is allowed. Tables must be placed at the end of the manuscript in Word format, and figures must not be embedded in the manuscript but submitted separately. Figure parts must be labeled A, B, and so on, and legends must be provided at the end of the manuscript.
Meta-Analysis
Cover Letter
A cover letter is required. Cover letter must be addressed to Thomas K. Varghese Jr. MD, MS, FACS, briefly state the manuscript's main research question, principal findings, and direct significance to surgical practice, patient care, or surgical science, and explain its novelty, potential impact, and fit with the journal.
Abstract
A structured abstract is required. Abstract must be structured. Abstract must use the headings Background, Study Design, Results, and Conclusions.
Manuscript
Manuscript must not exceed 3,000 words. Manuscript must use the sections Introduction, Methods, Results, Discussion, and Conclusions and include the research question in PICO format, the search strategy, the method of combining results and statistical analysis, results, a critical appraisal of the synthesized evidence with implications for practice or policy, knowledge gaps, future research priorities, and limitations of both the included studies and the review process. Up to 6 keywords must be included after the structured abstract, and a dedicated Funding section and an AI disclosure statement in the Methods or Acknowledgements section must be included.
References
References may not exceed 25. References must use AMA style. References must be cited in numerical order, and references with 5 or more authors must list the first 3 authors followed by et al.
Figures & Tables
A maximum of 3 tables and figures combined is permitted. Tables must be placed at the end of the manuscript in Word format, figures must not be embedded in the manuscript, and legends must be provided at the end of the manuscript. Figure parts must be labeled A, B, and so on, and forest plots should be included.
Systematic Review (Without Meta-Analysis)
Cover Letter
A cover letter is required. Cover letter must be addressed to Thomas K. Varghese Jr. MD, MS, FACS, Editor-in-Chief, and briefly state the main research question, principal findings, direct significance to surgical practice, patient care, or surgical science, and why the manuscript is a strong fit for JACS in terms of novelty, impact, and mission alignment.
Abstract
A structured abstract is required. Abstract must be structured. Abstract must use the headings Background, Study Design, Results, and Conclusions.
Manuscript
Manuscript must not exceed 3,000 words. Manuscript must include the research question in PICO format, the search strategy, results, a discussion critically appraising the synthesized evidence with implications for clinical practice or policy, knowledge gaps, and future research priorities, and limitations of the included studies and the review process itself. Up to 6 keywords must be included after the structured abstract.
References
Manuscript may include up to 25 references. References must use AMA style. References must be cited in numerical order, and references with 5 or more authors must list the first 3 authors followed by et al.
Figures & Tables
Manuscript may include a maximum of 3 tables and figures combined. Tables must be placed at the end of the manuscript in Word format, while figures must not be embedded in the manuscript and legends must be provided at the end of the manuscript.
Scoping Reviews
Cover Letter
A cover letter is required. Cover letter must be addressed to Thomas K. Varghese Jr. MD, MS, FACS and briefly state the main research question, principal findings, their direct significance to surgical practice, patient care, or surgical science, and why the manuscript is a strong fit for JACS in terms of novelty, impact, and mission alignment.
Abstract
An abstract is required. Abstract must be unstructured.
Manuscript
Manuscript must be 2,500 to 4,000 words. Manuscript must use the sections Introduction, Methods, Results, Discussion, and Conclusions. A dedicated Funding section and a dedicated AI disclosure statement in the Methods or Acknowledgements section are required.
References
References are limited to 25. References must use AMA style. References must be cited in numerical order, and works with 5 or more authors must list the first 3 authors followed by et al.
Figures & Tables
A maximum of 3 tables and figures combined is allowed. Tables must be placed at the end of the manuscript in Word format, while figures must not be embedded and legends must be provided at the end of the manuscript. Figure parts must be labeled A, B, and so on.
State-Of-The-Art Reviews (Focused Updates)
Cover Letter
A cover letter is required. Cover letter must be addressed to Thomas K. Varghese Jr. MD, MS, FACS, briefly state the manuscript's main research question, principal findings, and significance, and explain its fit, novelty, potential impact, and alignment with the mission of Exceptional Science for the House of Surgery.
Abstract
An abstract is required. Abstract must be unstructured. Up to 6 keywords must be included after the unstructured summary.
Manuscript
Manuscript must be 1,500 to 2,000 words. Manuscript must cover recent developments, critical appraisal, and future investigation. Up to 6 keywords must be included after the unstructured summary, and a dedicated statement disclosing any use of Artificial Intelligence tools must be included within the Methods or Acknowledgements section.
References
References are limited to 25. References must use AMA style. References must be cited in numerical order, and references with 5 or more authors must list the first 3 authors followed by et al.
Figures & Tables
A maximum of 3 tables and figures combined is permitted. Tables must be placed at the end of the manuscript in Word format, figures must not be embedded in the manuscript, and legends must be provided at the end of the manuscript. Figure parts must be labeled A, B, and so on.
Research Letter
Cover Letter
A cover letter is required. Cover letter must be addressed to Thomas K. Varghese Jr. MD, MS, FACS and briefly state the main research question, principal findings, and their direct significance to surgical practice, patient care, or surgical science, and explain the manuscript's novelty, potential impact, and fit with the journal.
Abstract
A structured abstract is required. Abstract must be structured. Abstract must use the headings Background, Study Design, Results, and Conclusions.
Manuscript
Manuscript must not exceed 800 words. Research Letter must include the research question, methodology, results, implications, and limitations. Up to 6 keywords must be included after the structured abstract, and a Data Availability Statement must be included at the end of the manuscript text before the References section.
References
References are limited to 15. References must use AMA style. References must be cited in numerical order, and references with 5 or more authors must list the first 3 authors followed by et al.
Figures & Tables
Research Letters may include a maximum of 2 tables and figures combined. Figures must not be embedded in the manuscript, tables must be placed at the end of the manuscript, and legends must be provided at the end of the manuscript. Tables must be provided in Word format only, and figure parts must be labeled A, B, and so on.
Surgical Innovations (Brief Technical Reports)
Cover Letter
A cover letter is required. Cover letter must be addressed to Thomas K. Varghese Jr. MD, MS, FACS and briefly state the main research question, principal findings, their direct significance to surgical practice, patient care, or surgical science, and why the manuscript is a strong fit for JACS based on novelty, potential impact, and mission alignment.
Abstract
A short unstructured summary is required. The summary must not exceed 150 words. The summary must be unstructured. No mandatory headings are specified for the summary.
Manuscript
The manuscript must not exceed 1,000 words. The report must describe a novel surgical technique or technology in a how-to-do-it format and include indications and contraindications, step-by-step procedural details, necessary equipment or instrumentation, comparison to existing methods if applicable, preliminary outcomes focused on feasibility, safety, and effectiveness, and a clear articulation of impact on care, unmet surgical needs, or technical advantages. Up to 6 keywords must be included after the unstructured summary, and a dedicated Funding section and an AI disclosure statement in the Methods or Acknowledgements section are required where applicable.
References
The manuscript may include up to 15 references. References must use AMA style. References must be cited in numerical order, and references with 5 or more authors must list the first 3 authors followed by et al.
Figures & Tables
Null Figures must not be embedded in the manuscript, tables must be placed at the end of the manuscript, and figure files must be submitted separately. High-quality illustrations demonstrating the technique are required, and tables must be provided in Word format only.
Clinical Practice Guidelines
Cover Letter
A cover letter is required. Cover letter must be addressed to Thomas K. Varghese Jr. MD, MS, FACS and briefly state the main research question, principal findings, direct significance to surgical practice, patient care, or surgical science, and why the manuscript is a strong fit for JACS in terms of novelty, impact, and mission alignment.
Abstract
Abstract requirements are not specified.
Manuscript
Manuscript must not exceed 3,000 words. Clinical Practice Guidelines must identify the source, assess the level of evidence, summarize key recommendations, and analyze clinical implications. A dedicated Funding section must be included, and any use of artificial intelligence tools must be disclosed in a dedicated Methods or Acknowledgements statement identifying the specific tool, version, and use.
References
References are limited to 25. References must use AMA style. References must be cited in numerical order, and references with 5 or more authors must list the first 3 authors followed by et al.
Figures & Tables
A maximum of 3 tables and figures combined is allowed. Tables must be placed at the end of the manuscript in Word format, and figures must not be embedded in the manuscript. Figure parts must be labeled A, B, and so on, and legends must be provided at the end of the manuscript.
Expert Consensus Documents
Cover Letter
A cover letter is required. Cover letter must be addressed to Thomas K. Varghese Jr. MD, MS, FACS and briefly state the manuscript's main research question, principal findings, direct significance, and why it is a strong fit for JACS.
Abstract
Abstract requirements are not specified.
Manuscript
Manuscript must be 1,800 to 2,200 words. Manuscript must describe the panel, present consensus statements, and acknowledge uncertainty. A dedicated Funding section must be included in the manuscript, and any use of Artificial Intelligence tools must be disclosed in a dedicated Methods or Acknowledgements statement.
References
References are limited to 25. References must use AMA style. References must be cited in numerical order, and references with 5 or more authors must list the first 3 authors followed by et al.
Figures & Tables
A maximum of 3 tables and figures combined is permitted. Tables must be placed at the end of the manuscript in Word format, and figures must be submitted separately rather than embedded in the manuscript. Figure parts must be labeled A, B, and so on, and legends must be provided at the end of the manuscript.
Letter To The Editor
Cover Letter
A cover letter is required. Cover letter must be addressed to Thomas K. Varghese Jr. MD, MS, FACS, Editor-in-Chief, briefly state the manuscript’s main research question, principal findings, and significance, and explain its fit, novelty, impact, and alignment with the journal mission.
Abstract
Abstract requirements are not specified.
Manuscript
Letter to the Editor submissions must not exceed 800 words. Letter must begin by briefly explaining its purpose and connection to the published article, present 2 to 4 focused points, and conclude with a concise summary and specific constructive suggestions or recommendations for future research or practice. A clear title different from the original article title is required.
References
Letter to the Editor submissions may include up to 10 references. References must use AMA style. References must be cited in numerical order, and references with 5 or more authors must list the first 3 authors followed by et al.
Figures & Tables
Letter to the Editor submissions may include a maximum of 2 tables and figures combined. Tables must be placed at the end of the manuscript and figures must not be embedded in the manuscript. Tables must be provided in Word format only, and legends must be provided at the end of the manuscript.
Recent Publications
Association of Postoperative Fever and Antibiotic Use with Surgical Site Infection in Children with Complicated Appendicitis: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Johanna M Borst, Alexandra Highet, Willemijn LA Schäfer, Ashley C Dodd, Yao Tian, Kiryung Kim, Seth D Goldstein, Jane L Holl, Brendan Campbell, Shawn Rangel, Mehul V Raval
10.1097/xcs.0000000000002047
View Publication
Flexibility Stigma and the Double Bind of Family Formation in Medical and Surgical Residency
Meg C Lovejoy, Ekaterina L Koelliker, Emma A Askew, Jana Zeineddine, Maria Yialamas, Jonathan B Greer, Stephanie L Nitzschke, Keith D Lillemoe, Erika L Rangel
10.1097/xcs.0000000000002046
View Publication
National Analysis of Trends and Factors Associated with Surgeon Attrition in the US
Abdulaziz Elemosho, Odysseas P Chatzipanagiotou, Meher Angez, Jeffrey E Janis, Timothy M Pawlik
10.1097/xcs.0000000000001905
View Publication
A Call to Action: Let’s Change the Systems, Not the Surgeons
Clare E Jacobson, Pasithorn A Suwanabol, Brian T Fry
10.1097/xcs.0000000000001938
View Publication
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to publish?
Submissions are screened by editors before peer review. Authors must return page-proof corrections within 24–48 hours. Accepted articles may be published Online First before assignment to a print issue.
Reformat to Journal Of The American College Of Surgeons using Livewrite PremiumIs a cover letter required?
A comprehensive cover letter is required. It should be addressed to Thomas K. Varghese Jr, MD, MS, FACS, Editor-in-Chief, and briefly summarize the main research question, principal findings, significance, fit for the journal, originality, ethical adherence, any preprint posting, key patient-centered outcomes or surgical innovation considerations when central, and any prior communication with editors.
Reformat to Journal Of The American College Of Surgeons using Livewrite PremiumWhat are the publication costs?
Hybrid open access publication fees vary by journal and license and are charged upon acceptance; fees shown exclude taxes.
Reformat to Journal Of The American College Of Surgeons using Livewrite PremiumResearch Topics
Cardiac, Anesthesia and Surgical Outcomes
Diversity and Career in Medicine
Pancreatic and Hepatic Oncology Research
Trauma and Emergency Care Studies
Colorectal Cancer Surgical Treatments
Surgical Simulation and Training
Gallbladder and Bile Duct Disorders
Hernia repair and management
Hepatocellular Carcinoma Treatment and Prognosis
Organ Transplantation Techniques and Outcomes
Esophageal and GI Pathology
Gastric Cancer Management and Outcomes
Minimally Invasive Surgical Techniques
Bariatric Surgery and Outcomes
Appendicitis Diagnosis and Management
Abdominal Trauma and Injuries
Enhanced Recovery After Surgery
Abdominal Surgery and Complications
Breast Cancer Treatment Studies
Pancreatitis Pathology and Treatment
Trauma, Hemostasis, Coagulopathy, Resuscitation
Innovations in Medical Education
Cholangiocarcinoma and Gallbladder Cancer Studies
Esophageal Cancer Research and Treatment
Healthcare Policy and Management