The role of the dedicated emergency general surgeon: a survey

Emergency general surgery (EGS) is an essential part of general surgery. However, the service configuration for EGS in the United Kingdom (UK) and Ireland varies significantly. This study aims to clarify current and desired future roles of EGS surgeons in the UK and Ireland, particularly regarding operative procedures.

An e-survey, designed by the Association of Surgeons of Great Britain and Ireland (ASGBI) Moynihan Academy, was distributed to ASGBI members at two national conferences in 2023. Data collection included the operative roles of EGS surgeons and factors influencing the appeal of a dedicated EGS career. The study was conducted and reported according to the Checklist for Reporting Results of Internet E-Surveys (CHERRIES).

There were 132 of 347 (response rate 38.0%) complete responses analysed. Respondents identified a core set of procedures that could be safely performed by EGS surgeons, regardless of dedicated EGS service configuration. A minority of respondents stated that EGS surgeons - rather than a surgeon with a specialist interest - should operate on specific conditions: emergency colonic resection for cancer (65 of 132 [49.2%]) or for inflammatory bowel disease (49 of 132 [37.1%]), laparoscopic cholecystectomy plus intraoperative cholangiogram with or without common bile duct exploration (45 of 132 [34.1%]), operations for gastric volvulus (45 of 132 [34.1%), operations for Boerhaave's (37 of 132 [28.0%]) and operations for bariatric complications (34 of 132 [25.8%]). Factors that might improve future EGS careers included pragmatic job planning, minimally invasive elective surgical opportunities and dedicated continuing professional development.

This study outlines the operative role of EGS surgeons within the broader general surgical profession and highlights controversies regarding whether EGS surgeons should perform specific complex operations.