[Admittance, treatment and hospitalization in surgical emergencies]

Emergencies constitute a substantial part of surgery. They are handled in difficult conditions quite often. In public hospitals they represent a percentage of activity of 20 to 25 p. cent, and half of them are hospitalized. Prehospital care is an important part of the treatment. Emergencies should be addressed to centers which are able to receive them and to treat them completely. Architecture and organization of those centers must answer important principles. Fifteen p. cent of surgical emergencies are grave, and 2 p. cent are an immediate threat to the patient's life. Secondary transfers are always dangerous and demand an excellent organization. First examination is important and must be well planned. Good surgery and reanimation standards are expected in emergency surgery. In traumatology, good communication between orthopedic and visceral surgeons is essential. In general surgery a rapid and simple action is to be commended. Surgical emergencies should not be diverted to medical intensive care units.