WP4.19 - The Emergency General Surgeon: what is their current operative role?

Abstract

Abstract Aims Determine the current operative role of dedicated Emergency General Surgery (EGS) surgeons in the United Kingdom (UK) and the Republic of Ireland (ROI). Methods A live interactive online survey, designed and endorsed by ASGBI, was completed by attendees at two ASGBI conferences in 2023. The study was conducted according to CHERRIES and exempt from REC according to HRA. Consent was obtained from study participants, who were asked which surgeons usually perform the most common EGS operations in their hospital. Results The survey was completed by 156/371 eligible participants, of which 132 responses were analysed once duplicate responses (n=16), and non-UK/ROI respondents (n=8), were excluded. Participants included consultants (34%), surgical trainees (42%), and other doctors (23%), 61% were male and 39% were female, aged between 25 and 69. The general surgeon on-call – or a dedicated EGS surgeon, where such service exists – operates on the majority of EGS pathology through an un-selected take. A surgeon with the relevant sub-specialty interest usually operates on emergency non-traumatic complex upper gastrointestinal or colorectal pathology. These include emergency colonic resections for cancer or inflammatory bowel disease, and operations for gastric volvulus, bariatric complications, and Boerhaaves. Acute cholecystectomy forms a major part of a dedicated EGS surgeon’s practice. Conclusions Dedicated EGS surgeons deliver a wide variety of operations, in addition to the peri-operative management of acute surgical patients. Future curriculum design and NHS workforce planning should reflect this service delivery pattern, should EGS become a recognised specialty interest.