About the Journal

The Journal of the European Society of Surgery (JESS) is the official peer-reviewed scholarly journal of the European Society of Surgery (ESS). Established under the academic stewardship of ESS. JESS serves as a comprehensive platform for the publication, dissemination, and exchange of high-quality surgical research and scholarly work.

The journal is dedicated to advancing surgical science, clinical excellence, and academic scholarship across Europe and globally. JESS aims to bridge the gap between research and clinical practice by publishing work that contributes to improved surgical techniques, patient outcomes, education, and healthcare systems.

As an international open access journal, JESS ensures that all published content is freely and permanently available to surgeons, clinicians, researchers, educators, trainees, and policymakers worldwide. By removing access barriers, the journal supports the unrestricted dissemination of surgical knowledge, fosters global collaboration, and enhances the visibility and impact of published research.

JESS upholds the highest standards of editorial independence, scientific rigor, transparency, and ethical publishing, aligning its policies with internationally recognized best practices in scholarly publishing.

Aims & Scope

The Journal of the European Society of Surgery (JESS) aims to publish original, high-impact research and authoritative scholarly contributions that advance the science and practice of surgery. The journal seeks to promote innovation, evidence-based decision-making, and academic excellence across all surgical disciplines.

JESS provides a forum for both clinical and translational research, encouraging submissions that enhance understanding of disease mechanisms, improve operative strategies, and contribute to safer and more effective patient care.

Publication Frequency

Quarterly Publication

The Journal of the European Society of Surgery is published four times per year:

  • January – March
  • April – June
  • July – September
  • October – December

Special issues, thematic issues, and supplements may be published at the discretion of the Editorial Board to address emerging topics or significant developments in surgical science.

Peer Review Process

JESS follows a double-blind peer review process to ensure objectivity, fairness, and scientific rigor. All submitted manuscripts undergo an initial editorial assessment to evaluate suitability, originality, and compliance with journal policies.

Each manuscript is then reviewed by a minimum of two independent expert reviewers with relevant subject-matter expertise. Reviewer feedback focuses on scientific validity, methodological quality, ethical compliance, clarity of presentation, and relevance to surgical practice.

Editorial decisions are based on the reviewers’ recommendations and the judgment of the Editorial Board.

Open Access Policy

The Journal of the European Society of Surgery is a fully open access journal. All articles are published with immediate and permanent open access, allowing unrestricted reading, downloading, copying, and distribution.

There are no subscription or paywall barriers, ensuring global accessibility to surgical research. Authors retain copyright of their work under a Creative Commons license, permitting reuse with appropriate attribution while safeguarding academic integrity.

Ethical Standards

JESS adheres strictly to international ethical guidelines for research and publication. Authors must ensure that their work complies with ethical standards applicable to human and animal research.

Key ethical requirements include:

  • Approval from an appropriate institutional ethics committee where applicable
  • Informed consent for studies involving human participants
  • Full disclosure of conflicts of interest
  • Compliance with recognized standards of research integrity and publication ethics

Manuscripts failing to meet ethical requirements may be rejected or retracted.

Article Types Accepted

The journal considers the following manuscript categories:

  • Original Research Articles
  • Review Articles
  • Clinical Case Reports and Case Series
  • Technical Notes and Surgical Innovations
  • Editorials and Expert Perspectives
  • Letters to the Editor

Each article type is subject to specific submission guidelines detailed in the For Authors Section.