The British Journal of Surgical Science (BJSS) uses a double-blind peer review process, in which authors do not know the identity of reviewers, and reviewers do not know the identity of authors. The journal is committed to ensuring a rigorous, fair, and transparent evaluation of all submitted manuscripts.

Type of Peer Review

Double-blind peer review

• Author identities are removed before review.
• Reviewer identities remain confidential.

Review Criteria

All manuscripts are evaluated based on:

• Originality and contribution to surgical science
• Scientific and methodological rigor
• Clarity and accuracy of data presentation
• Ethical research conduct and proper approvals
• Relevance to the journal’s scope
• Quality of writing and organization
• Strength of conclusions supported by evidence

Peer Review Steps

Step 1 – Initial Editorial Screening (1–7 days)

•  The editor-in-chief or handling editor checks the submission for:
  • Fit with journal scope
  • Compliance with ethical standards
  • Completeness of submission
  • Basic scientific quality
  • Plagiarism screening

Manuscripts failing this stage may be rejected without external review.

Step 2 – Assignment of Reviewers (3–10 days)

• Suitable experts in the relevant surgical field are invited.
• Typically two reviewers are assigned; occasionally three for complex manuscripts.

Step 3 – External Peer Review (2–6 weeks)

Reviewers evaluate the manuscript and provide:

• Detailed comments for authors
• Confidential comments to editors
• A recommendation:
  • Accept
  • Minor revision
  • Major revision
  • Reject

Step 4 – Editorial Decision (1–7 days)

The editor evaluates the reviewers' reports and issues one of the following decisions:

• Accept
• Minor Revision
• Major Revision
• Reject

Step 5 – Revision Stage (1–4 weeks, depending on revision type)

Authors submit a revised manuscript with a point-by-point response.

Revisions may be re-evaluated by the original reviewers if necessary.

Step 6 – Final Decision (1–7 days)

The editor-in-chief makes the final determination after revisions are complete.

Step 7 – Production and Publication (1–3 weeks)

Accepted manuscripts move to copyediting, typesetting, proofreading, and online publication.

All articles are published Open Access immediately without embargo.

Approximate Total Timeline

• Standard submissions: 6–10 weeks from submission to decision
• Accelerated decisions: may be issued for time-sensitive material
• Revisions: add 1–4 weeks depending on complexity

Timelines may vary based on reviewer availability and manuscript difficulty.