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Mortality following emergency laparotomy: a Swedish cohort study
Terje Jansson Timan1,2,3, Gustav Hagberg4, Ninni Sernert5,6
1Department of Surgery, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden. terje.jansson.timan@vgregion.se.
BMC Surgery
|August 12, 2021
Summary
Emergency laparotomy in Sweden shows high mortality (14.2% at 30 days) and morbidity. This retrospective study highlights the challenges in managing critically ill patients undergoing emergency surgery.
Area of Science:
- Emergency Surgery
- Surgical Outcomes
- Critical Care Medicine
Background:
- Emergency laparotomy (EL) is a high-risk, life-saving abdominal surgery.
- Perioperative management of EL patients is challenging, with high global mortality.
- Swedish EL outcomes have not been previously studied.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate perioperative management and outcomes of emergency laparotomy in Sweden.
- To analyze mortality, length of stay, ICU utilization, and complications.
- To provide insights into the care of critically ill surgical patients.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective cohort study of 710 emergency laparotomies (2014-2017).
- Exclusion criteria: pediatric patients, aortic surgery, reoperations.
- Data collected: demographics, management, and outcomes.
Main Results:
- Overall 30-day mortality was 14.2%, 1-year mortality 26.6%.
- Mean hospital length of stay (LOS) was 12 days; ICU LOS was 5 days.
- Mortality correlated with comorbidities, ASA classification, ICU care, and fecal peritonitis.
Conclusions:
- Emergency laparotomy in Sweden is associated with high mortality and morbidity.
- Findings align with international studies on emergency laparotomy outcomes.
- Further research may inform improved perioperative strategies.
