SP8.2.3 Serial CRP in post operative elective general surgery patients: analysis of usage and value

Abstract

Abstract Aims The aim of this project is to investigate the current practice in measuring C-reactive protein (CRP) in the post-operative patients in elective general surgery, to determine the current trends in using it and its potential value in detecting post operative complications. Methods A retrospective analysis of a 100 consecutive patients admitted for elective general surgery between January and July 2021 was conducted. This included analysis of patient demographics and post-operative interventions including return to theatres and interventional radiology. The CRP levels of the patients who required interventions were compared against those who did not. Results 40 males; 60 females with a mean age of 61.1 years were included, 11% of these patients had post-operative interventions. This analysis showed CRP values were measured routinely post operatively for at least 5 days in 91% of patients. There was a rise in CRP in all patients in the early post-operative period (first three days). If CRP continued to rise after this, it was more associated with a need for post-operative interventions. Conclusions There is no diagnostic value for measuring CRP in the first three days of the post operative period, as it will always show a rise in that period. Continued rise after day 3 may indicate post operative complications. Setting up pre-determined blood tests profiles for elective surgical patients may help save time, effort and resources.