Requiring Emergency Laparotomy Research Articles

Does timely reporting of preoperative CT scans influence outcomes for patients following emergency laparotomy?

Timely preoperative computed tomography (CT) scans are important for patients requiring emergency laparotomy. United Kingdom guidelines state that a CT scan should be reported within 1h for 'critical' patients (will alter management at the time) and within 12h for 'urgent' patients (will alter management but not necessarily that day). An observational study included patients who were added to the National Emergency Laparotomy Audit (NELA) at a National Health Service trust from 2014 to 2021. The association of compliance with timings guidance and mortality was investigated. Multivariable logistic regression was used to determine the odds ratio of adherence to guidelines according to age, gender, night time admission, American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA) score, NELA mortality risk and category of scan. Further models determined the influence of adherence to guidelines on mortality, also adjusted for these variables. There were 1,299 patients (48% 'critical' and 52% 'urgent' CT scans). Only 360/1,299 (28%) of scans were undertaken with adherence to the timing guidelines. Critical scans were less likely to adhere to guidelines. Although univariable analysis suggested that adherence to guidelines was associated with reduced mortality, this was not the case in the multivariable model: only age, ASA and NELA mortality risk remained significantly associated with mortality. A minority of patients met the recommended preoperative CT report timings, and this was less likely for scans designated 'critical'. This did not appear to affect mortality when adjusted for key variables of risk. This illustrates the phenomenon of guideline adherence appearing to affect patient outcomes as a product of selection bias rather than causality.

Perioperative Adverse Outcome and Its Predictors After Emergency Laparotomy Among Sigmoid Volvulus Patients: Retrospective Follow-Up Study.

Acute sigmoid volvulus is a surgical emergency with closed-loop obstruction of the colon that often requires emergency laparotomy, which is associated with a multitude of post-operative complications. Although sigmoid volvulus is the main cause of intestinal obstruction in Ethiopia, local studies of its management outcomes are limited. To assess the magnitude and predictors of adverse perioperative outcomes of emergency laparotomy for acute sigmoid volvulus in the Debre Markos Comprehensive Specialized Hospital (DMCSH), Amhara region, Ethiopia in 2023. This was a retrospective follow-up study. Descriptive statistics were used to measure perioperative outcomes and other study variables. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression models were used to identify the predictors of adverse surgical outcomes. Associations were considered significant at p < 0.05 (95% confidence interval). In total, 170 study participants were enrolled, with a response rate of 91.4%. Forty-nine patients (28.8%) developed perioperative adverse outcomes. Pneumonia (29 patients, 28.1%), surgical site infection (19 patients, 18.4%), and wound dehiscence (10 patients, 9.7%) were the most common complications. Pre-operative shock [AOR: 3.87 (95% CI: (1.22, 12.28))], pus or fecal matter contamination of the peritoneum [AOR: 4.43 (95% CI: (1.35, 14.47)], and a higher American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score [AOR: 2.37 (95% CI: (1.05, 5.34))] were identified as predictors of perioperative adverse events. The perioperative adverse outcomes in this study were higher than those reported in Ethiopian national and global reports following emergency laparotomies. Hypotension at presentation, pus and/or fecal matter contamination of the peritoneum, and higher ASA scores are strong predictors of increased perioperative adverse outcomes. Therefore, healthcare providers and institutions involved in the delivery of emergency surgical care should emphasize the importance of early surgical intervention, adequate resuscitation, and patient monitoring to improve perioperative outcomes.

Beyond high-risk: analysis of the outcomes of extreme-risk patients in the National Emergency Laparotomy Audit.

Patients who require emergency laparotomy are defined as high risk if their 30-day predicted risk of mortality is ≥ 5%. Despite a large difference in the characteristics of patients with a mortality risk score of between 5% and 50%, these outcomes are aggregated by the National Emergency Laparotomy Audit (NELA). Our aim was to describe the outcomes of the cohort of patients at extreme risk of death, which we defined as having a NELA-predicted 30-day mortality of ≥ 50%. All patients enrolled in the NELA database between December 2012 and 2020 were included. We compared patient characteristics; length of hospital stay; rates of unplanned return to the operating theatre; and 90-day survival in extreme-risk groups (predicted ≥ 50%) and high-risk patients (predicted 5-49%). Of 161,337 patients, 5193 (3.2%) had a predicted mortality of ≥ 50%. When patients were further subdivided, 2437 (47%) had predicted mortality of 50-59% (group 50-59); 1484 (29%) predicted mortality of 60-69% (group 60-69); 840 (16%) predicted mortality of 70-79% (group 70-79); and 423 (8%) predicted mortality of ≥ 80% (group 80+). Extreme-risk patients were significantly more likely to have been admitted electively than high-risk patients (p < 0.001). Length of stay increased from a median (IQR [range]) of 26 (16-43 [0-271]) days in group 50-59 to 35 (21-56 [0-368]) days in group 80+, compared with 17 (10-30 [0-1136]) days for high-risk patients. Rates of unplanned return to the operating theatre were higher in extreme-risk groups compared with high-risk patients (11% vs. 8%). The 90-day survival was 43% in group 50-59, 34% in group 60-69, 27% in group 70-79 and 17% in group 80+. These data underscore the need for a differentiated approach when discussing risk with patients at extreme risk of mortality following an emergency laparotomy. Clinicians should focus on patient priorities on quantity and quality of life during informed consent discussions before surgery. Future work should extend beyond the immediate postoperative period to encompass the longer-term outcomes (survival and function) of patients who have emergency laparotomies.

Modified Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) Protocol Versus Non-ERAS Protocol in Patients Undergoing Emergency Laparotomy for Acute Intestinal Obstruction: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) is a multimodal approach with promising results in improving patient outcome. Only recently, is evidence emerging highlighting how similar principles of care can be applied to patients undergoing emergency abdominal surgery. A randomized controlled trial was conducted from November 2021 to April 2022 at PGIMER Chandigarh, which is a leading tertiary care hospital in northern India. 60 patients with acute intestinal obstruction requiring emergency laparotomy were randomized and assigned to ERAS or Non-ERAS group. ERAS protocol with some modifications was applied. Primary endpoints were post-operative hospital stay. Secondary end points were morbidity, 30-day readmission and mortality rate. Data analysis was done using SPSS 22.0. Independent t test or Mann-Whitney test and Chi-square or Fisher-exact test were used for analysis. A significant 3-day reduction in hospital stay was observed in ERAS compared to non-ERAS group (median (interquartile range) 5.50 (4.75-8.25) vs 8.0 (6.0-11.0) p = 0.003) with no difference in 30-day readmission rate, mortality rate and complication rate (according to Clavien-Dindo classification). ERAS group was associated with early recovery of gastrointestinal functions including time to first passage of flatus (p < 0.001), stools (p = 0.014), early ambulation (p < 0.001), time to first fluid diet (p < 0.001), solid diet (p = 0.001) and reduced nasogastric tube reinsertion rates (p = 0.01) despite its early removal. ERAS with some modifications can be applied in patients with intestinal obstruction. Thus, we can expedite post-operative recovery and early regain of gastrointestinal function with decreased hospital stay, comparable morbidity and mortality. Further studies are needed to assess ERAS role in emergency gastrointestinal surgeries. Trial registration Ctri.gov Identifier: CTRI/2022/04/042156.

ACUTE MESENTERIC ISCHEMIA WITH BOWEL GANGRENE:CASE SERIES IN A TERTIARY CARE CENTRE

Introduction: Acute Mesenteric ischemia (AMI) is a worrisome clinical condition leading to end stage irreversible bowel necrosis. Inspite of advances in medical eld, it continues to remain a diagnostic challenge for surgeons leading to delay in diagnosis and high mortality. In this series we present 8 cases of AMI with bowel gangrene treated surgically with an aim to describe its presentation and various management strategies at our institution. This prospective series of patients operated for acute mesenteri Methodology: c ischemia with bowel gangrene was conducted in a tertiary care hospital in Eastern India from January 2021 to August 2022. All patients presenting to the emergency department with abdominal pain, features of obstruction with or without peritonitis operated with a pre operative diagnosis of acute mesenteric ischemia conrmed radiologically were taken for the study. This series comprised of 8 patients, of which 5 (62.5%) were Results: male and 3 (37.5%) were female. The mean age of patients was 58.5 ± 8.9 years with a range from 45 to 75 years. The most consistent presenting feature was abdominal pain (100%) followed by vomiting (50%) and distension (50%). Four (50%) of patients had a pre-existing cardiac illness. The mean length of hospital stay was 7.6 ± 3.87 days. Post operative complication occurred in 4 patients. The mortality rate in our series was 37.5%. AMI is a life threatening vascular Conclusion: emergency with high mortality and morbidity. Most present in a delayed stage where irreversible bowel ischemia has set in requiring emergency laparotomy. High index of clinical suspicion is required for early diagnosis and prompt effective treatment to prevent disastrous consequences.

An Audit of the Gynecological Emergencies requiring Emergency Laparotomy in a Tertiary Care Hospital: Timeline of Events from Arrival to Emergency to Arrival to Operation Theater

An Audit of the Gynecological Emergencies requiring Emergency Laparotomy in a Tertiary Care Hospital: Timeline of Events from Arrival to Emergency to Arrival to Operation Theater

The use of botulinum toxin in the acute management of symptomatic complex incisional hernia: a case series.

Complications of incisional hernia are amongst the commonest presentations to the emergency surgical take. Outcomes from emergency hernia repair are poor, particularly for those with complex defects and for the growing population of comorbid, high-risk patients. Attempts to avoid emergency surgery by improving success rates of non-operative management could prove hugely beneficial. Botulinum toxin A (Botox) is already used in the elective management of incisional hernia and this study evaluates if the relaxation produced could be used to augment the outcomes of conservative management of acutely presenting incisional hernia. Patients presenting between October 2020 and April 2022 without evidence of visceral ischaemia,who had been selected for a non-operative approach, were given 300 units of Botox under image guidance to the abdominal wall in addition to standard conservative measures. Twelve patients were eligible for Botox administration. Median age was 75years and median BMI was 36.45kg/m2. All patients were high risk; minimum ASA score was 3, and median frailty score was 5. In ten patients, symptoms resolved following Botox allowing for discharge without further complication. Seven subsequently referred on to the abdominal wall team. Symptoms did not settle in the two remaining patients; one required emergency laparotomy and the second was palliated. Botox may be a useful adjunct to established non-operative measures in patients with acute presentations of incisional hernia. It may improve the acute symptoms, eliminate the need for high-risk emergency surgery, or provide a bridge to abdominal wallreconstruction.

Utility of the National Emergency Laparotomy Audit prognostic model in predicting outcomes in an Australian health system.

The Royal College of Anaesthetists was commissioned by the United Kingdom Health Quality Partnership to conduct the National Emergency Laparotomy Audit of England and Wales (NELA), to compare outcomes of patients undergoing emergency laparotomy in order to promote quality improvement. Prior to 2016 there were minimal data for emergency laparotomy patients in Australia. The aim of this cohort study was to assess the utility and applicability of the NELA model in a tertiary centre in Western Australia. NELA-related data of patients who underwent emergency laparotomy, between June 2018 and May 2020, were merged with other administrative databases and clinical records. The discriminative ability and calibration of the model were assessed by the area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) curve and calibration plot, respectively. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to assess whether the NELA-predicted risks were an independent predictor of hospital mortality. Of the 502 patients included, 168 (33.5%) patients had a NELA-predicted risk >10%, and of these, 93 (55.4%) were admitted to a critical care unit in a planned fashion immediately after surgery. The NELA model had a good ability to discriminate between survivors and non-survivors (AUROC 0.892, 95% confidence intervals 0.854 to 0.93, P <0.001). However, the model was not perfectly calibrated, with the predicted risks tending to overestimate the observed risks of mortality, especially when the predicted risks were >50%. A high NELA-predicted risk remained significantly associated with mortality after adjusting for other covariates, including sepsis and plasma lactate concentration, suggesting that it is a reliable screening tool for identifying high-risk patients requiring emergency laparotomy.

Surgical treatment and pneumatic reduction for intussusception in a pediatric patient with blue rubber bleb nevus syndrome

Blue rubber bleb nevus syndrome is a congenital disorder characterized by the presence of venous malformations in the skin and gastrointestinal tract. On rare occasions, these venous malformations can cause intussusception. We present a case of a child known with Bean syndrome who arrived with intestinal occlusion requiring emergency laparotomy. Surgical findings included four intussusception zones through the jejunum and ileum, meriting ileum resection and primary anastomosis. During the next month he presented on two occasions with intussusception symptoms, requiring fluoroscopy-guided pneumatic reduction.

Radiological Features for Frailty Assessment in Patients Requiring Emergency Laparotomy.

Introduction: As the number of elderly patients requiring surgical intervention rises, it is believed that frailty syndrome has a greater impact on perioperative course than on chronological age. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of various imaging features for frailty assessment in patients undergoing emergency laparotomy. Methods: The study included all patients that qualified for emergency surgery with preoperative CT scans between 2016 and 2020 in the Second Department of General Surgery. Multiple trauma patients were excluded from the analysis. The modified frailty index and brief geriatric assessment were used in the analysis. CT images were reviewed for the assessment of osteopenia, sarcopenia, sarcopenic obesity, renal volume and abdominal aorta calcification rate. Results: A total of 261 patients were included in the analysis. Multivariate logistic regression identified every next ASA class (OR: 4.161, 95%CI: 1.672–10.355, p = 0.002), intraoperative adverse events (OR: 12.397, 95%CI: 2.166–70.969, p = 0.005) and osteopenia (OR: 4.213, 95%CI: 1.235–14.367, p = 0.022) as a risk factor for 30-day mortality. Our study showed that every next ASA class (OR: 1.952, 95%Cl: 1.171–3.256, p = 0.010) and every point of the BGA score (OR: 1.496, 95%Cl: 1.110–2.016, p = 0.008) are risk factors for major complications. Conclusions: Osteopenia was the best parameter for perioperative mortality risk stratification in patients undergoing emergency surgical intervention. Sarcopenia (measured as psoas muscle area), sarcopenic obesity, aortic calcifications and mean kidney volume do not predict poor outcomes in those patients. None of the radiological markers appeared to be useful for the prediction of perioperative morbidity.

Interstitial pregnancy is one of the most serious and uncommon ectopic pregnancies: Case report.

BackgroundEctopic pregnancies are a dreaded and common cause of first-trimester metrorrhagia. They refer to the implantation and development of the embryo outside the uterine cavity. Interstitial localization is uncommon and corresponds to implantation of the embryo in the intramural part of the uterine tube. It has an unforeseen evolution with a risk of cataclysmic hemorrhage by uterine rupture in the absence of early diagnosis and management.Case presentationWe herein present the uncommon case of a 26-year-old female patient, second gestation, nulliparous, who underwent a pelvic ultrasonography in the emergency department for pelvic pain associated with a two-month amenorrhea. A past history of left salpingectomy for a ruptured tubal ectopic pregnancy 3 years ago was found. Pelvic ultrasound allowed us to detect a ruptured ectopic interstitial pregnancy at 7 weeks of amenorrhea. Significant hemoperitoneum and hemodynamic instability required emergency laparotomy. The condition was confirmed preoperatively and the patient underwent a corneal resection. The postoperative course was uneventful and the patient was discharged on day 4 postoperatively.ConclusionsThe interstitial ectopic pregnancy is an uncommon and life-threatening condition. The importance of early ultrasound detection is of paramount importance to allow conservative treatment with methotrexate injections. Delayed diagnosis requires cornual uterine resection with all the complications that it implies.

Emergency general surgery: impact of distance and rurality on mortality.

BackgroundThere is debate about whether the distance from hospital, or rurality, impacts outcomes in patients admitted under emergency general surgery (EGS). The aim of this study was to determine whether distance from hospital, or rurality, affects the mortality of emergency surgical patients admitted in Scotland.MethodsThis was a retrospective population-level cohort study, including all EGS patients in Scotland aged 16 years or older admitted between 1998 and 2018. A multiple logistic regression model was created with inpatient mortality as the dependent variable, and distance from hospital (in quartiles) as the independent variable of interest, adjusting for age, sex, co-morbidity, deprivation, admission origin, diagnosis category, operative category, and year of admission. A second multiple logistic regression model was created with a six-fold Scottish Urban Rural Classification (SURC) as the independent variable of interest. Subgroup analyses evaluated patients who required operations, emergency laparotomy, and inter-hospital transfer.ResultsData included 1 572 196 EGS admissions. Those living in the farthest distance quartile from hospital had lower odds of mortality than those in the closest quartile (OR 0.829, 95 per cent c.i. 0.798 to 0.861). Patients from the most rural areas (SURC 6) had higher odds of survival than those from the most urban (SURC 1) areas (OR 0.800, 95 per cent c.i. 0.755 to 0.848). Subgroup analysis showed that these effects were not observed for patients who required emergency laparotomy or transfer.ConclusionEGS patients who live some distance from a hospital, or in rural areas, have lower odds of mortality, after adjusting for multiple covariates. Rural and distant patients undergoing emergency laparotomy have no survival advantage, and transferred patients have higher mortality.

Clinical spectrum and management outcome in gallbladder perforation-a sinister entity: Retrospective study from Sub-Himalayan region of India.

Gallbladder perforation is an infrequent entity seen among surgical patients. Rare occurrence owes to difficulty in diagnosing gallbladder perforations. The aim of the present study was to determine the optimal management strategy that may decrease the morbidity and mortality associated with this potentially life-threatening condition. This was a retrospective study from hospital health records wherein the experience of 40 consecutive patients with gallbladder rupture, either spontaneous or secondary to both benign conditions and malignancy, was noted at a tertiary care hospital over 48 months from February 2017 till January 2021. The etiology, clinical presentation, and treatment given were analysed. Out of 40 patients included, 23 were females and the majority of patients were more than 45 years of age. Twelve patients responded to intravenous antibiotics and analgesics alone while five required an ultrasound-guided pigtail catheter drainage due to non-improving clinical condition. The failure of expectant management led to a delayed laparotomy in seven patients while four patients required emergency laparotomy because of generalized peritonitis. An elective cholecystectomy was offered to 12 patients with cholecystoenteric fistulae after diagnostic laparoscopy in the same admission. Thirty-eight patients were discharged in stable condition and doing well at 30-day follow-up. Gallbladder perforation is seen more commonly in acute calculous cholecystitis compared to other conditions. It is more evident when the treatment of acute calculous cholecystitis is delayed by more than 6-8 weeks. The spectrum of clinical presentation varies from mild pain and vomiting to generalized peritonitis. The patient often requires a step-up approach to control the ongoing sepsis for an improved outcome.

Management of patients with the Intravascular Ventricular Assist System (iVAS) for non-cardiac surgery

ABSTRACTIntravascular ventricular assist system (iVAS) is an investigative device in clinical trials for the management of advanced heart failure. It works on the principle of counterpulsation, similar to the classic intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation (IABP). We present a case of a 66-year-old man with iVAS in situ who required emergency laparotomy for a strangulated umbilical hernia. Patients with mechanical circulatory devices (MCD) are presenting more frequently for emergency and even elective noncardiac operations. Managing such patients poses significant challenges to the perioperative team due to its novelty and paucity of management recommendations.

Single Layer versus Double Layer Technique for Intestinal Anastomosis: A Comparative Study

Introduction: Intestinal anastomosis is a surgical procedure executed to ascertain communication between two segments of the intestine, after the removal of pathology affecting the bowel. It depends on factors like anastomosis site, bowel capability and the type of the pathogenesis. Aims: To compare single versus double layer method in terms of time taken for anastomosis, hospital stay, post-operative leak and cost effectiveness. Methods: This is a comparative hospital based study carried out at the department of surgery Nepalgunj Medical College from September 2017 to August 2020. Patients requiring emergency laparotomy with resection and anastomosis of small bowel were included. Patients requiring colonic anastomosis, diversion stoma and multiple anastomoses were excluded. Patients were divided in to two groups- single layer and double layer group. Each group was compared for outcome measures like time taken to construct the anastomosis, hospital stay, post-operative leak and cost of surgery. Results: The total number of patients was 50. The mean age was 45.57±17.42 years for single layer and 48.67±18.16 years for double layer group. Time taken for intestinal anostomosis in single and double layer were 18.28±5.08 and 25.27±6.18 respectively which was statistically significant (p - &lt;0.012). Hospital stay was 10.9±1.43 in single layer and 11.2±1.87 which was statistically not significant (p - &gt;0.342). Similarly, the anastomosis leak was seen in 2 patients in single layer and 3 in double layer. Which was statistically not significant (p - &gt;0.318). While comparing the cost effectiveness single layer technique was cost effective. Conclusion: The single layer anastomosis is a preferable, safe and economic technique in comparison to the conventional double layered anastomosis.

SP3.2.14 Does the “weekend effect” exist in those patients that require emergency laparotomy?

Abstract Aims Multiple studies have concluded that the “Weekend effect” results in worser outcomes for patients admitted during the weekend, when compared to weekday admissions. Patient presenting that require emergency laparotomy are, by default, high risk. It may be assumed that their risk of death is higher should they present during the weekend. The aim of this study was to identify if this cohort of admissions is at an increased risk of death should they present at the weekend. Methods All patients entered into the National Emergency Laparotomy Audit database from December 2013 up to and including November 2017 from two independent acute hospitals were included. Adjusted regression analysis (NELA risk score, grade of surgeon and anaesthetist, post-operative admission to critical care and procedure performed) was performed investigating the association between day of admission to hospital and 60-day post-operative mortality. Sunday was used as comparator variable. Results Study cohort included 1346 patients, overall 60-day inpatient mortality was 9.63% (134 patients). Following risk adjustment there was no increased risk of mortality when investigating day of admission to hospital; Monday Odds Ratio (OR 1.60, 95% Confidence Intervals (CI) 0.69-3.71), Friday (OR 2.01, 95% CI 0.85-4.7). Conclusion Risk of death in those that require emergency laparotomy is not affected by day of presentation to hospital.

TP9.2.10The risk and predictors of mortality in octogenarians undergoing emergency laparotomy: A multicentre cohort study

Abstract Aims To evaluate the risk and predictors of postoperative mortality in octogenarians undergoing emergency laparotomy. Methods In compliance with STROCSS guideline for observational studies, we conducted a multicentre retrospective cohort study. All consecutive patients aged over 80 with acute abdominal pathology requiring emergency laparotomy between April 2014 and August 2019 were considered eligible for inclusion. The primary outcome measure was 30-day postoperative mortality and the secondary outcome measures were in-hospital mortality and 1-year mortality. Statistical analyses included simple descriptive statistics, binary logistic regression analyses, and Kaplan–Meier survival statistics. Results A total of 523 octogenarians were eligible for inclusion. Emergency laparotomy in octogenarians was associated with 21.8% (95% CI 18.3-25.6%) 30-day postoperative mortality, 22.6% (95% CI 19.0-26.4%) in-hospital mortality, and 40.2% (95% CI 35.9-44.5%) 1-year mortality. Binary logistic regression analysis identified ASA status (OR: 2.49,95% CI 1.82-3.38,P&amp;lt;0.0001) and peritoneal contamination (OR: 2.00, 95% CI 1.30-3.08, P = 0.002) as predictors of 30-day postoperative mortality. The ASA status (OR: 1.92,95% CI 1.50-2.46,P&amp;lt;0.0001), peritoneal contamination (OR: 1.57,95% CI 1.07-2.48,P=0.020) and presence of malignancy (OR: 2.06,95% CI 1.36-3.10,P=0.001) were predictors of 1-year mortality. Log-rank test showed significant difference in postoperative survival rates among patients with different ASA status (P &amp;lt; 0.0001) and between patients with and without peritoneal contamination (P = 0.0011). Conclusions Emergency laparotomies in patients older than 80 years with ASA status more than 3 in the presence of peritoneal contamination carries a high risk of immediate postoperative and 1-year mortality. There is a need to incorporate modern prognosticators into the available preoperative mortality risk assessment tools.

EP.FRI.8 Hajibandeh index predicts nature of peritoneal contamination and risk of postoperative mortality in patients with acute abdominal pathology: A multicentre cohort study

Abstract Aims To develop and validate intraperitoneal contamination index, Hajibandeh Index (HI), derived from combined levels of CRP, lactate, neutrophils, lymphocytes and albumin in predicting the nature of peritoneal contamination and risk of postoperative mortality in patients with acute abdominal pathology. Methods A multicentre cohort study was conducted to develop and validate an index to predict presence of purulent and feculent contamination and risk of postoperative mortality in patients with acute abdominal pathology. All adult patients with acute abdominal pathology requiring emergency laparotomy between 2014 and 2020 were included. The index was developed in a primary cohort and was validated in retrospective and prospective validation cohorts. ROC curve analysis was performed to determine discrimination of the index and cut-off values of HI that could predict nature of peritoneal contamination and postoperative mortality. Results 737 patients were included (234 in primary cohort, 234 in retrospective validation cohort, and 269 in prospective validation cohort). The analyses identified HI of 24.76 as cut-off value for purulent contamination (AUC:0.78,P&amp;lt;0.0001;sensitivity:82.4%,specificity:60.9%); HI of 33.84 as cut-off value for feculent contamination (AUC:0.78, P&amp;lt;0.0001;sensitivity:82%,specificity:67.8%), and HI of 33.47 as cut-off value for postoperative mortality (AUC:0.70,P&amp;lt;0.0001;sensitivity:72.7%, specificity:58.47%). The results of the primary cohort and validation cohorts were comparable. Conclusions HI predicts presence of purulent and feculent contamination in patients with acute abdominal pathology and risk of postoperative mortality in patients undergoing emergency laparotomy. Future studies should investigate the effect of HI on accuracy of preoperative prognostic scoring tools and on patient selection for operative or non-operative management of underlying abdominal pathology.

EP.FRI.752 Delay to Surgery in Acute Perforated and Ischaemic Gastrointestinal Pathology – A Systematic Review

Abstract Aims Patients with acute abdominal pathology requiring emergency laparotomy who experience a delay to theatre have an increased risk of morbidity, mortality and complications. The timeline between symptom onset and operation is ill-defined with international variance in assessment and management. This systematic review aims to define where delays to surgery occur and assess the evidence for previous interventions. Methods A systematic review was performed searching MEDLINE and EMBASE databases (January 1st 2005 to May 6th 2020). All studies assessing the impact of time to theatre in patients with acute abdominal pathology requiring emergency laparotomy were considered. Results 17 studies were included in the final analysis. 15 unique timepoints were identified in the patient pathway between symptom onset and operation which could be classified into four distinct phases. Time from admission to theatre (1 to 72 hours), and mortality rate (10.6-74.5%) varied greatly between studies. Mean time to surgery was significantly higher in deceased patients compared to survivors. Delays were related to imaging, diagnosis, decision-making, theatre availability and staffing. Four of five interventional studies showed a reduced mortality following introduction of an acute laparotomy pathway. Conclusions There is wide variation in the definition and measurement of time delays prior to emergency surgery with few studies exploring interventions. Given the heterogenous nature of the patient population and pathologies, an assessment and management framework from onset of symptoms to operation is proposed. This could be incorporated into national mortality prediction and audit tools and assist in the assessment of interventions.

1404 NELA Risk Mortality Scores from Admission to Theatre in Emergency Gastrointestinal Perforation – A Retrospective Cohort Study

Abstract Background Patients with acute abdominal pathology requiring emergency laparotomy who experience a delay to theatre have an increased risk of morbidity, mortality and complications. The aim of this study was to assess delay, from symptom onset to theatre in patients with gastrointestinal perforation and its effect on perioperative risk. Method A single-centre retrospective study was performed in the Leeds Trust Hospitals, UK investigating the NELA database for patients requiring emergency laparotomy for perforated gastrointestinal viscus who presented to the acute surgical unit or emergency department between 1st February 2018 and 31st January 2020. Results 101 patients met the inclusion criteria (47% F and 53% M), mean age 59 [21-91]. 37% of patients’ NELA scores worsened from admission to pre-op (median change of + 5.9% IQR 1.3-11.5]), 14% stayed the same and 49% improved (median change of -4.4%[IQR 0.4-9.1]) 3% had their NELA score documented at the time of consent. 18% did not wait for a CT report or went straight to theatre. Mean time from admission to scan report was 9.3 hours (0.9-22.0). Median time from symptom onset to presentation (2 days [IQR 1-13]) was greater in patients with an Index of Multiple Deprivation Decile of 1-5, (n = 64, median 2 days [IQR 1-6]) compared to those in deciles 6-10, (n = 37, median 1 day[IQR 1-3]), p = 0.097. Conclusions NELA mortality risk score changes from presentation to surgery in patients with acute gastrointestinal perforation requiring emergency laparotomy. There is suggestion that delay in symptom onset to presentation may correlate with Index of Multiple Deprivation Decile.